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STAGE VERSION OF 
BROWNING'S TRAGEDY 

The return 
OF THE DRUSES 



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STAGE VERSION OF 
BROIVNING'S TRAGEDY 



THE RETURN 
of the DRUSES 

By CHARLOTTE PORTER 



Performed wider her direction for the first 
time on any stage by the Boston Browning 
Society at Chickering Hall, Boston^ 
March 25, 1^02 

And reproduced under her direction by the 
Boston Browning Society and the Copley 
Society of Boston, at Copley Hall, 
May 6 and 7, igoj \ Ul i,^ 



THOMAS Y. CROVVELL & CO 
NEPF YORK 



THE LiERARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

MAY 4 1903 

Copyright tntry 
CLASS» j£^ XXc No, 

^ ^ 7 ^ 

COPY B. 






Copyright, 1902 and 1903, ^^ 
Charlotte Porter. 



^// 5/<2^e rig/its reser'ved. 



% 



ARGUMENT OF THE PLAY. 



ACT I. opens at dawn of the day when the Druses, long 
oppressed by the Knights of Rhodes, are about to throw off 
their yoke. They had placed themselves under the Knights' 
protection on settling in the island, driven there when Osman 
the Turk overran their country. Their " protectors " have 
become oppressors; but Djabal, the son of their old sheiks, 
saved by Maani from the Prefect's massacre of his family, is 
on this day to slay the Prefect, assume the divinity which ac- 
cording to the Druse creed is made manifest at intervals in 
great leaders, and conduct them, a free people, once more to 
their home on Mount Lebanon. 

A group of men, initiated in this plan and in the Druse 
mysteries, are exulting fiercely in their anticipated vengeance. 
•They begin to loot the Hall. Khalil enters, upbraiding them 
that at this critical moment they thus risk ruin. Their Pre- 
fect is on his way back from Rhodes. He has given the 
island up to the Church, selling the bishopric to the Nuncio, 
also on his way thither. But Djabal outwits them by a 
treaty with Venice, whereby the great repubUc will befriend 
the Druses, and they in turn give the island to her on their 
departure. 

Three watchers enter successively. The Prefect's ship is 
at hand, the Nuncio's approaching, the Venetian ships are in 
sight. But, with the Prefect, Loys comes too, the one 
Knight Djabal would spare. 

Loys enters. He embarrasses the rebellion. Karshook 
proposes to stab him and clear their path. Khalil saves him, 
and goes to tell Djabal. Loys, left alone, rejoices in the 
tidings he bears. He has had the Prefect deposed and been 
made governor in his stead. 

Djabal enters. At this climax of his work he is stricken 
with loathing for the imposture he must now practise in pre- 
tending to become a god. He resolves to confess himself no 
Hakeem, merely a human leader. 

Khalil enters, showing him how nothing short of godship 
will suffice the people, then summons him to Anael, his 
bride. But it is she who has aroused his conscience. Her 
pure devotion has accused his falsity. He goes, bent upon 
confessing to her. 

INTERLUDE. Dance of the Druse Maidens in honor 
of the Khalif, his deliverance of the people, and his divine 
exaltation. 



(V) 



Argument of the P l a y 



ACT II. Anael enters with her mother, Maani, to await 
Djabal's coming. She glories with her mother in the story 
of his heroic deeds, but reproaches herself for her unbelief. 
So she craves sign of his divinity, and cannot let her need of 
it alone. When Djabal enters he feels he cannot bereave 
her of that faith to which her mind so clings. That she may 
never know the truth, he resolves to give up both her and 
his vengeance. If he leaves her now, none but Loys could 
undeceive her; and he rejoices in his absence, as Khalil 
enters to tell of his return. His presence threatens Djabal 
with exposure and failure. To delay seeing him and to keep 
him from the people till the revolution is ripe, Djabal bids 
Anael see him. She has feared that Loys, if she loved him, 
would seem as divine to her as Djabal. She awaits Loys, 
thinking Djabal has read her thoughts and given her this 
chance to test her doubts. 

ACT III. Loys meets her. His love for her breaks out, 
overmastering the vows he is that day to take. Her fear is 
deepened that love like this, not divinity, gives Djabal his 
supremacy in her eyes. The emotion which shakes her Loys 
takes to be love for him. She declares she can love that 
one only who frees her people. This fires Loys, since to 
free them is he come; but his vows restrain him. He rushes 
for the Prefect, that he may take or else abjure those vows. 

More conscious than ever of the humanity of her love, 
Anael is driven toward the one test remaining to show that 
faith in Djabal's divinity which her creed demands. 

Djabal returns, full of his decision to part with her. All 
she now reveals of her love makes this need more poignant. 
All he says but strengthens her purpose to correct her skep- 
ticism by a supremely desperate deed. 

Khalil enters, announcing the Prefect's arrival. Djabal is 
driven to action. The Nuncio's arrival brings the Prefect to 
the alcove, ready to receive him. There Djabal is to slay 
the despot, while Ayoob admits the Nuncio to imprison him 
and let none in or out thereafter till the sign is given him 
that the Prefect is slain and Venice come, when he is to open 
the doors to all the people. The sign, Djabal's ring, he 
gives to Anael. The trumpet sounds. They go. 

The Prefect enters, laying bare to Loys his villainy, his 
extortions, bargains, the Knights' connivance, the peril of 
the place from which Loys, ignorant dupe ! provides him an 
unexpected release. For the first time in years he now enters 
the alcove without fear of assassination. 

The disillusioned Loys finds one ray of comfort in this. 
He has learned in time. He will abjure knighthood and 
join Anael's tribe. 

ACT IV. Djabal, about to enter the alcove to kill the 
Prefect, discovers Anael. She has just killed the tyrant. 
This was the desperate test of faith she had assigned herself. 
She calls upon Djabal now to exalt himself, sustain, and 
justify her. Overcome with this result of his duplicity, he 

(vi) 



Argument of the Play 



tells the truth. Her revulsion is extreme. She curses his 
imposture. Then her love conquers. Let them go together 
and publish the truth to the people. As human merely, in 
shame instead of triumph, she will love him more than ever. 
He refuses, would join her with him in the imposture. Then 
she sees another step to take, and goes silently to take it. 
The key of the plot is in her hands. She holds the ring. 

To the obtuse Djabal, Loys enters, pouring forth his news, 
at last, his love for Anael, his determination to become a 
Druse. 

The guards rush in upon them with discovery of the 
Prefect's body. They accuse Djabal of murder and a long- 
planned insurrection just revealed by one of his confeder- 
ates. He admits it, but promises Loys, if one Druse accuse 
him, to stab himself. 

ACT V. The people pour into the Hall. Anael has 
caused the doors to be opened prematurely. 

The Nuncio enters to learn of the Prefect's death, and to 
seize what slender chance of escape is left himself before 
Venice arrive, by trying to corrupt and dupe the ignorant 
rabble, and turn them against their leaders. 

He almost succeeds: Khalil and Djabal can scarcely stem 
the tide. The veiled Druse who has confessed, and upon 
whom now all hinges, is brought in. It is Anael. Loys 
exults as Khalil unveils her, bidding her choose between 
Djabal's love and his. Djabal, confessing his love — now 
chastened, submits to take his death sentence at her hand. 

With one cry, '* Hakeem ! " the overwrought maiden falls 
dead at his feet. To her this meant an overwhelming vision 
of the divinity incarnate in such pure human love. To the 
terrified Druses it is proof of Djabal's Hakeemship. They 
can believe nothing less, though Djabal scourges them with 
the summary of the actual human services he has done them, 
and, deputing his leadership to Khalil, under Loys's protec- 
tion, stabs himself, as the Venetian admiral enters and the 
people triumph in their Return to Lebanon. 




(vii) 



CAST 



DjABAL, Leader of the Druses 

Mr. Pietro Benedetto Caccatori Isola 
Khalil, Chief Initiate Druse. .Miss Katherine Jewell Everts 

Anael, Khalil's Sister Mrs. Mary Cornwall Collar 

Maani, Mother of Khalil and Anael 

Mrs. Clara Bancroft Beatley 

Karshook Mr. Frank S. C. Wicks 

Abdullah Mrs. E. J. E. Thorpe 

Raghib Mr. John Clement 

Ayoob Dr. Thomas Irving Deacon 

First Watcher Mr. Archibald Willis 

Second Watcher Miss Ella R. ShuU 

Third Watcher Miss Marion Nottage 

and other Initiate Druses 
Mrs. M. F. Bagley 



Miss Ina Redpath 
Miss S. E. Macdonald 
Mr. Binney Gunnison 
Mr. Robert E. Maddock 



Mr. L. H. Richard 



Miss Kate Landell Greene 
Miss Fawcett 
Mr. F. W. Tully 
Miss A. C. Macdonald 
LoYS DE Dreux, of Brittany, Knight Novice 

Mr. C. E. A. Winslow 
The Prefect, Governor of the Island 
for the Grand Master of the Knights 

Hospitallers of Rhodes 

The Nuncio, Ambassador from the 

Knights' Patriarch for the Church. .Prof. D. L. Maulsby 
The Admiral of the Republic of Venice 

Mr. Harold B. Warren 

Nasif Mr. John C. Abbott 

Elkeb Mr. Roger Burnham 

and other Uninitiate Druses, by other members of the 
Jefferson Dramatic Club of Brookline, and by 
Mrs. H. B. Armstrong Master Vico Caccatori Isola 

Mr. L. H. Richard Master George Mixter 

Mr. James MacdonaM 

Papal Guard Mr. Harold Keefe 

Miss Gordon Walker 
Miss Marion Peabody 
Miss Amsden 
Miss Melita Knowles 
Miss Abbie Farwell Brown 

Druse Maidens <' Miss Ethel Brown 

Miss Day 

Miss Capen 

Miss Ethel Blanchard 

Miss Amy Rand 

Miss Harriet B. Newhall 



(viii) 




ROBERT BROWNING'S TRAGEDY 

OF THK 

RETURN OF THE DRUSES 

Stage Version by Charlotte Porter. 

PERSONS OF THE DRAMA. 

DjABAL, Leader of the Druses. 

Khalil, Chief Initiate Druse. 

Anael, Khalil's Sister. 

Maani, Mother of Khalil and Anael. 

Karshook. 

Abdutlah. 

Raghib. 

Ayoob. 

First Watcher. 

Second Watcher. 

Third Watcher. 

And other Initiate Druses. 
LoYS DE Dreux, of Brittany, Knight Novice. 
The Prefect, Governor of the Island for the 
Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers 
of Rhodes. 
The Nuncio, Ambassador from the Knights' 

Patriarch for the Church. 
The Admiral of the Republic of Venice. 
Elkeb. 
Nasif. 

And other Uninitiate Druses. 
Guards, Druse Maidens, Minstrels, Attendants. 

Time, 14 — . Action continuous; one morning 
from daybreak till noon. 

Place. — An Islet of the Southern Sporades, 
colonized by Druses of Lebanon, and garrisoned 
by the Knights Hospitallers of Rhodes. 

Scene. — A Hall in the Prefect's Palace. 



The Return of the Druses 



ACT I. 

^rhe curtain rises on a su7iken Oriental hall^ 
just before daybreak^ obscure^ at first ^ save for 
the dim gliimner of the hanging Oriental 
lamps; ajterward disclosing little by little as 
the daw7i-light purples and fljishes^ then grays ^ 
and finally whitens^ colonnades at either side of 
the hall and at rear with Moorish serpentine 
pillars and horse-shoe arches. At centre., back., 
a three-arched portal., up three steps., opening 
at back upon an outer court and balustrade., 
the Mediterranean sea blue in the vista. At 
left a pillared porch leading up three steps 
to the luxurious private Alcove of the Prefect., 
the Governor of the Island. It is adorned 
with fret-work of cai'ven wood., and the en- 
trance is hidden by gold and silver en-zurought 
hangings., both sumptuous and delicate. Dis- 
played above the porch ^ on its pedifnent^ is the 
eight-point silver cross of the Knights of 
Rhodes. At right, a similar archway., up 
three steps., leads through a corridor to the 
inner rooms of the Palace. Rich hangings 
and decorations. A stand of knightly armor ^ 
mail coats., hauberks, helmets., swords^ etc., at 
side., near right entrance. On pillars near., 
jewelled Oriental knives and scifnetars. Be- 
tween the pillars costly hangings gold-fringed. 

Immediately upon rise of curtain while the 
light is still obscure., Raghib steals foi'ward 
swiftly at right side from behind the pillars., 
and Ayoob in the same furtive way frotn the 
left. Behind each of them appear lurking by 
the pillars the stealthy figures of other Druses., 
waiting as if met by signal. E7iter to the?n., 
at once.,fro7n ce7itre., at first with suppressed 
excitement., then advancing and giving a loose 
to exultation., Abdullah «;z^ Kakshook. 

Abdullah. {Right centre.) The moon is 
carried off in purple fire: 
Day breaks at last ! 

(2) 



Act One: The First Scene 

Kakshook. {^Left centre.^ Break glory, 
with the day, 
On Djabal's dread incarnate mystery 
Now ready to become God Hakeem ! 

Raghib. {Right.) — Death 

Sweep to the Christian Prefect that enslaved 
Us sad Druse exiles o'er the sea, so long ! 

Ayoob. {Left.) Most joy be thine, O 
Lebanon ! Thy brood 
Returns to thee ! 

Raghib. No outcasts as we left. 
But thus — but thus I Behind, our Prefect's 
corse ! 
Abdullah. Before, a presence like the 
morning — thine, 
Absolute Djabal late, — God Hakeem now 
That day breaks ! 

Kar SHOOK. [ Tossing off outer coloi'ed cloak., 
concealing the distinctive black vest and 
white robe and turban of the Initiate 
Druse. Others same act ion. '\ Oft^ then, 
with disguise at last ! 
As from our forms this hateful garb we strip, 
Lose every tongue its glozing accent too. 
Discard each limb the ignoble gesture ! 

Ayoob. Cry, 

The Druse Nation, warders on Lebanon 
Of the world's secret, since the birth of time ! 
Raghib. No kindred slips, no offsets from 
thy stock. 
No spawn of Christians are we. Prefect, we — 
Karshook. Who rise — 
Ayoob. Who shout — 

Raghib. Who seize — {darts 

back {right) where the glitter of a jew- 
elled scimetar and baldric.^ hanging 
against a pillar catches his eye. Dashes it 
to the ground with a clang. '\ A first fruits, 
{picking it up., comes forward with it., and 
putting it on with self-satisfaction'] , ha — 
Spoil of the spoiler ! Brave ! 

[Ayoob, follozving his exa?nple., pounces on 
the gold fringe of a rich wall- hanging., 
between pillars right., tearing off a long 

(3) 



The Return of the Druses 

strip of the fringe; Karshook rushing 
upon hi??i disputes his possession of it. 
Thereupo7i all begin to loot the hall; 
one group riving off with their knives the 
gold cresset-rings from the pillars to the 
rights forward; another group settling 
like bees upon the stand of armor ^ donning 
hauberks^ helmets^ etc,^ disputing for 
swords a?zd spears, etc.'] 
Karshook. [7c>Ayoob.] Hold! 
Ayoob. —Mine, I say; 

And mine shall it continue ! 

Karshook. Just this fringe ! 

Take anything beside ! [ Cunningly pointing 

to the alcove, to divert his attention.] Lo, 

all the porch 

Is jewelled o'er with frostwork charactery ! 

And, see, yon eight-point cross of white flame, 

winking 
Hoar-silvery like some fresh-broke marble stone ! 
Raze out the Rhodian cross there, so thou leav'st 

me 
This single fringe ! {^Snatches at it.~\ 

Ayoob. \_Holding on.] Ha, wouldst thou, 
dog-fox? \_To the others.] Help ! 
— Three hand-breadths of gold fringe, my son 

was set 
To twist, the night he died ! 

Karshook. \_Also, appealing to the rest.] 
Nay, hear the knave ! 
And I could witness my one daughter borne, 
A week since, to the Prefect's couch, yet fold 
These arms, be mute, lest word of mine should 

mar 
Our Master's work. Hear me denied my right 
B3' such a knave ! 

Abdullah. [ Calling out fro7n the entrance- 
steps {right centre) with his arm around a 
brazen jar he has taken down fro?n the bal- 
ustrade.] 

Each ravage for himself! 
Booty enough ! 

Raghib. \_Striding forward, infla77ting them 
to follow hifn.] On, Druses ! Be there found 

(4) 



Act One: The First Scene 

Blood and a heap behind us ; with us, Djabal 
Turned Hakeem ; and before us,, Lebanon ! 
Yields the porch ? Spare not. S^Leading thein 
towards the alcove. '\ There his minions 
dragged — [ Turning back to Karshook, 
who is forernost among those who have fol- 
lowed him.'] 
Thy daughter, Karshook, to the Prefect's couch ! 

[Karshook curses.'] 

Ayoob ! [ Turning to Ayoob who has followed 

hard upon Karshook] Thy son, to soothe 

the Prefect's pride, 

Bent o'er that task, the death-sweat on his brow, 

Carving the spice-tree's heart in scroll-work 

there ! [Ayoob snarls.] 
Onward in Djabal's name ! [ General onslaught 
upon the Prefect's Alcove^ leaving some 
groups undistzirbed^ however., intent upon 
their booty. Raghib, with one foot 
planted on the steps of the alcove.^ lays one 
hand on the arras., about to dash it wide 
when., with the tumult at its height., enter 
Jroin centre Khalil, for a moment un- 
noticed. Then a pause and silence.] 
Khalil. {Centre.^ Was it for this, 

Djabal hath summoned you ? Deserve you thus 
A portion in to-day's event? What, here — 
When most behoves your feet fall soft, your eyes 
Sink low, your tongues lie still, — at Djabal's 

side, 
Close in his very hearing, who, perchance, 
Assumes e'en now God Hakeem's dreaded 

shape, — 
Dispute you for these gauds. ^ 

Ayoob. \^Abashed.] How say'st thou, Khalil.? 
Doubtless our Master prompts thee ! [Turning 
to Karshook, throws the fringe at him.] 
Take the fringe, 
Old Karshook ! [Apologetically ., to Khalil] 
I supposed it was a day — 
Khalil. For pillage.? 

Karshook. Hearken, Khalil! [Advanc- 

ing to him., craftily.] Never spoke 

A boy so like a song-bird ; we avouch thee 

(5) 



The Return of the Druses 

Prettiest of all our Master's instruments 
Except thy bright twin-sister ; thou and Anael 
Challenge his prime regard : \_/a'wning\ but we 

may crave \to the other s\ 
(Such nothings as we be) a portion too 
Of Djabal's favor; in him we believed, 
His bound ourselves, him moon by moon obeyed. 
Kept silence till this daybreak — so, may claim 
Reward : who grudges me my claim ? 

Ayoob. \^Nodding and tossing his head 
toward the others.~\ To-day 

Is not as yesterday ! 

Raghib. [ To Khalil, defiantly. '\ Stand off! 

Khalil. Rebel you ? 

Must I, the delegate of Djabal, draw 
His wrath on you, the day of our Return? 

Ayoob. Wrench from his grasp that fringe ! 
Hound ! 

Khalil. Oh, shame ! 

Thus breaks to-day on you, the mystic tribe 
Who, flying the approach of Osman, bore 
Our faith, a merest spark, from Syria's ridge 
Its birthplace, hither! " Let the sea divide 
These hunters from their prey," you said ; " and 

safe 
In this dim islet's virgin solitude 
Tend we our faith, the spark, till happier time 
Fan it to fire ; till Hakeem rise again, 
And, reinstating all in power and bliss, 
Lead us himself to Lebanon once more." 
Was 't not thus you departed years ago. 
Ere I was born ? 

Ayoob. 'T was even thus ! 

Abdullah. Years ago ! 

Khalil. And did you call — Did you? — 
or no ? — to stand 
'Twixt you and Osman's rage a race self-vowed 
To endless warfare with his hordes and him — 
These White-cross Knights of the adjacent Isle ? 

Karshook. And why else rend we down, 
wrench up, raze out? 
These Knights of Rhodes we thus solicited 
Fqr help, bestowed on us a fiercer pest 
Than aught we fled — their Prefect ! 

(6) 



Act One : The First Scene 



Raghib. He began 

His promised mere paternal governance 
By a prompt massacre of all our Sheikhs 
Able to thwart these Knights in their foul 

scheme 
Of crushing, with our nation's memory, 
All hope of our return, and taming us 
Bondslaves to Rhodes forever — 

Khalil. Say I not? 

You, fitted to the Order's purposes. 
Your Sheikhs cut off, your rites, your garb pro- 
scribed, 
Must yet receive one degradation m.ore ; 
The Knights at last throw off the mask — trans- 
fer, 
This islet they are but protectors of. 
To their own ever-craving liege, the Church, 
Who licenses all crimes that pay her thus. 
You, from their Prefect, were to be consigned 
(Pursuant of I know not what vile pact) 
To the Knights' Patriarch, ardent to outvie 
His predecessor in all wickedness. 
When suddenly rose Djabal in the midst, 
Djabal, the man in semblance, but our God 
Confessed by signs and portents. Ye saw fire 
Bicker round Djabal, heard strange music flit 
Bird-like about his brow ? 

Karshook. We saw ! 

Raghib. We heard ! 

Ayoob. Djabal is Hakeem ! 
All. \_Prost rating themselves^ arms for- 
ward^ murmuring revere?itly.'\ Ay ! 
Hakeem ! Hakeem ! 
Khalil. And as he said has not our Khalif 
done, 
And so disposed events (from land to land 
Passing invisibly) that when, this morn. 
The pact of villany complete, there comes 
This Patriarch's Nuncio with this Master's 

Prefect 
Their treason to consummate, — each will face 
For a crouching handful, an uplifted nation : 
For simulated Christians, confessed Druses : 
And, for base slaves past hope of Lebanon, 

(7) 



The Return of the Druses 

Freedmen returning there 'neath Venice' flag ; 
That Venice which, the Hospitallers' foe, 
Grants us from Candia escort home at price 
Of our relinquished isle, Rhodes counts her 

own — 
Venice, whose promised argosies should stand 
Toward harbor : is it now that you, and you. 
And you \to Karshook, Ayoob, Raghib, 

especially']^ selected from the rest to bear 
The burthen of the Khalif's secret, further 
To-day's event, entitled by your wrongs, 
And witness in the Prefect's hall his fate — 
That you dare clutch these gauds? [^Stricken 
with shartte and now quite quelled and 
docile^ Raghib, Karshook, and others 
loosen grip of their booty. Sctmetar and 
fringe^ fall. The looting of the other 
groups has also gradually stopped under 
Khalil's eloquence.] Ay, drop them ! 

Karshook. [ Cunningly once more.] True, 
Most true, all this ; and yet, may one dare hint. 
Thou art the youngest of us ? — though employed 
Abundantly as Djabal's confidant. 
Transmitter of his mandates, even now. 
Much less, whene'er beside him Anael graces 
The cedar throne, his queen-bride, art thou like 
To occupy its lowest step that day ! 
Now, Khalil, wert thou checked as thou aspirest, 
Forbidden such or such an honor — 

Khalil. \^Breaking in.] Karshook thinks 
I covet honors? Well, nor idly thinks. 
Honors? I have demanded of them all 
The greatest. 

Karshook. I supposed so. {^Nodding tri- 
umphantly at the others., who gather 
around with interest.] 
Khalil. Judge, yourselves ! 

Turn, thus : 't is in the alcove at the back 
Of yonder columned porch, whose entrance now 
The veil hides, that our Prefect holds his state, 
Receives the Nuncio, when the one, from 

Rhodes, 
The other lands from Syria ; there they meet. 
Now, I have sued with earnest prayers — 

(8) 



Act One : The First Scene 

Karshook. [ Unctiously^ ijuhile the others 
press closer to hear.~\ For what 

Shall the Bride's brother vainly sue? 

Khalil. That mine — 

Avenging in one blow a myriad wrongs 

— Might be the hand to slay the Prefect there ! 
\_A silence, all fall back.'] Djabal reserves that 

office for himself. 
Thus far, as youngest of you all, I speak 

— Scarce more enlightened than yourselves ; 

since, near 
As I approach him, nearer as I trust 
Soon to approach our Master, he reveals 
Only the God's power, not the glory yet. 
Therefore I reasoned with you : now, as servant 
To Djabal, bearing his authority. 
Hear me appoint your several posts ! Till noon 
None see him save myself and Anael : once 
The deed achieved, our Khalif, casting off 
The embodied Awe's tremendous mystery. 
The weakness of the flesh disguise, resumes 
His proper glory, ne'er to fade again. 

Enter fro?n centre ist Druse Watcher, a 
young- mafi. 
1ST Druse Watcher. [^Saluting Y^uai^ii..] 
Our Prefect lands from Rhodes ! — without a 

sign 
That he suspects aught since he left our Isle; 
Nor in his train a single guard beyond 
The few he sailed with hence : so have I learned 
From Loys. 

Karshook. Loys? Is not Loys gone 
Forever ? 

Ayoob. Loys, the Frank Knight, returned? 
2D Druse. \_To them.] Loys, the boy, 
stood on the leading prow 
Conspicuous in his gay attire, and leapt 
Into the surf the foremost. [To Khalil.] 

Since day-dawn 
I kept watch to the Northward ; take but note 
Of my poor vigilance to Djabal ! 

Khalil. Peace! [Com- 

mands him to draw aside .^ right., turns 

(9) 



The Return of the Druses 

then to Karshook wJio advances to receive 

orders.'] 
Thou, Karshook, with thy company, receive 
The Prefect as appointed : see, all keep 
The wonted show of servitude ; announce 
His entry here by the accustomed peal 
Of trumpets, then await the further pleasure 
Of Djabal ! [7<? Karshook, aside^ anxiously^ 

detaining him.] Loys back, whom Djabal 

sent 
To Rhodes that we might spare the single Knight 
Worth sparing ! 

Enter from centre., 2D Druse Watcher, a 
stripling. 
2D Druse Watcher. \To Khai.il, salut- 
ing.] I espied it first ! Say, I 

First spied the Nuncio's galley from the South ! 

Said'st thou a Crossed-keys' flag would flap the 
mast? 

It nears apace ! One galley and no more. 

If Djabal chance to ask who spied the flag, 

Forget not, I it was ! \_Joi?is ist Druse, 7'ight.] 
Khalil. Thou, Ayoob, bring 

The Nuncio and his followers hither ! Break 

One rule prescribed, ye wither in your blood. 

Die at your fault ! [Ayoob cringes at Khalil's 
feet.) and is waiting his leave to go^ 
when — ] 

Enter fro7n centre 3D Druse Watcher, 
an aged 7nan faltering forward on his 
staf. 
3D Druse Watcher. ^^Ecstatically to him- 
self at frst^ then turniftg to Khalil.] 
I shall see home, see home ! 

— Shall banquet in the sombre groves again ! 

Hail to thee, Khalil ! Venice looms afar ; 

The argosies of Venice, like a cloud, 

Bear up from Candia in the distance ! \_Draws 
aside., right.] 
Khalil. \_IIis exultation at its height.] 

Summon our people, Raghib ! Bid all forth ! 
Tell them the long-kept secret, old and young! 

(.0) 



Act One: The First Scene 



Set free the captive, let the trampled raise 
Their faces from the dust, because at length 
The cycle is complete, God Hakeem's reign 
Begins anew ! Say, Venice for our guard. 
Ere night we steer for Syria ! Hear you. 

Druses? 
Hear you this crowning witness to the claims 
Of Djabal ? Oh, I spoke of hope and fear, 
Reward and punishment, because he bade 
Who has the right ; for me, what should I say 
But, mar not those imperial lineaments, 
No majesty of all that rapt regard 
Vex by the least omission ! Let him rise 
Without a check from you ! 

All. \_With uplifted arfns shouting.'] Let 
Djabal rise ! 

Enter 'Loy s,^ fro7?i centre {left side). Sudden 
silence. 

LoYS. Who speaks of Djabal? — for I seek 
him, friends! \_To group.^ rights adva?zc- 
Ing.] _ ^ 

Peace to you, Druses ! I have tidings for you. 
[ Group right comes around him at this^ 
group left remains aloof., zuarlly exchang- 
ing glances.] 

But first for Djabal: where 's your tall be- 
witcher. 

With that small Arab thin-lipped silver-mouth ! 
Khalil. \_In group left., aside to Kar- 

SHOOK.] 

Loys, in truth ! Yet Djabal cannot err ! 
Karshook. \To Khalil.] And who takes 
charge of Loys? Will he stand 
And see his comrades slaughtered? 

L o YS . \_As he passes fo rw a rd rlgh t , gla nclng 
for an Instant at group left.] How they 
shrink 
And whisper, with those rapid faces ! 

Karshook. [71? Khalil.] Better 

One lured him, ere he can suspect, inside 
That corridor; [pointing significantly to rear 

right] 'twere easy to despatch 
Him there. 

(") 



The Return of the Druses 

LoYS. \_To 1 ST Druse Watcher, who comes 

towa7'd him froi7i group rigkt.~\ Yes ; I 

asked for Djabal — 

Karshook. \^Advancing^ obsequiously to 

LoYS.] Djabal 

Passed some minutes since thro' yonder porch, 

And — 

Kahlil. \_S'wiftly inter ve7iing,~\ Hold! 
What, him despatch ? Loys, Djabal's friend 
He sent to Rhodes for safety ? Back, Karshook ! 
I take charge of him. \^To Loys.] Loys ! 

Sir Loys, — 
\^Advancing.'\ Djabal has intercourse with 
few or none 
Till noontide : but, your pleasure ? 

Loys. \_Half offe7ided.'\ " Intercourse 
With few or none"? — Ah, Khalil, when -^ow 

spoke 

I saw not your smooth face ! All health ! — and 

health \_Saluting^ both coming forward^ 

centre. '\ 

To Anael ! How fares Anael ? — " Intercourse 

With few or none"? Forget you, I've been 

friendly 
With Djabal long ere you or any Druse? 
— Enough of him at Rennes, I think, beneath 
The Duke my father's roof! He'd tell by the 

hour. 
With fixed white eyes beneath his swarthy brow, 
Plausiblest stories. 

Khalil. \_Resentfully.'] Stories, say you? Ha 
— [ Checking himself^ with suspicion. ~\ 
What brings .you back from Rhodes? 

Loys. How you island-tribe 

Forget the world 's awake while here you drowse ! 
What brings me back? What should not bring 

me, rather ! 
Is not my year's probation out ? I come 
To take the knightly vows. But Khalil, prithee. 
Is not the Isle brighter than wont to-day? 

Khalil. ^^Embarrassed for an instant^ then, 

avoiding the question,'\ Ah, the new sword ! 

Loys. \_Letting hint take it from his belt.~\ 

See now ! You handle sword 

(12) 



Act One: The First Scene 

As 't were a camel-stafF! Pull ! [Khalil pulls 

it out of scabbard. '\ That 's my motto, 
Annealed " Projide^'' on the blade in blue. 
Khalii.. No curve in it? Surely a blade 

should curve ! 
LoYS. Straight from the wrist ! Loose — it 

should poise itself! 
Khalil. \^Wavingwith irrepressible exulta- 
tion the sword. '\ We are a nation, Loys, 

of old fame 
Among the mountains ! Rights have we to keep 
With the sword too ! "" 

\^Reme?nbering himself. '\ But I forget — you 

bid me 
Seek Djabal? 

Loys. What ! A sword's sight scares you 

not? 
(The People I will make of him and them ! 
O let my Prefect-sway begin at once !) 
Bring Djabal — say, indeed, that come he must ! 
Khalil. [^Spiritedly.'] At noon seek Djabal 

in the Prefect's Chamber, 
And find — \_As Loys astonished., at his tone^ 

turns on his heel]. Nay, 'tis thy cursed 

race's token, 
Frank pride, no special insolence of thine ! 
Tarry, and I vs^ill do your bidding, Loys! 
\To the rest.] Now, forth you ! {They go out^ 

centre.] [7o Loys.] I proceed to Djabal 

straight. 
\_To Karshook who makes at Loys again.] 
Leave this poor boy, who knows not what he 

says! \Y^k^^yioo¥^ goes out., centre.] 
O will it not add joy to even thy joy, 
Djabal, that I report all friends were true ? 
[Khalil ^c^i-, cent^-e.] 
Loys. Long days to spend in th' Isle ! and, 

my news known 
An hour hence, wdiat if Anael turn on me 
The great black eves I must forget? 

Why, fool. 
Recall them, then ? My business is with Djabal, 
Not Anael ! Djabal tarries : if I seek him ? — 

(13) 



The Return of the Druses 

\^He starts as if to go^ centre^ but turns for- 
ward again exclaiming brightly. '\ 
Tu Dieul How happy I shall make these 

Druses ! 
Was 't not surpassingly contrived of me 
To get the long list of their wrongs by heart, 
Then take the first pretence for stealing off 
From these poor islanders, present myself 
Sudden at Rhodes before the noble Chapter, 
Acquaint it with this plague-sore in its body. 
This Prefect and his villanous career ! 
The princely Synod ! All I dared request 
Was his dismissal ; and they graciously 
Consigned his very office to myself — 
Myself may cure the Isle diseased ! \_Ttirning 
back now., to go.~\ Bright Isle! \_jubi- 
lantly., lookfng out over the sea'] 
Thou 'rt brighter even than thy wont to-day ! 
[ Goes out centre.] 



SCENE II. 

The Same. 

Enter Djabal fror7i the right., advancing 
meditatively. 

Djabal. How should a strong man think 

himself a God ! 
I — Hakeem ? 

Hakeem? Why the God? 
Shout, rather, ''I — Djabal, the child, thought 

slain 
By this — Prefect, with all my race, the 

Sheikhs, — 
Was saved, and now return to you a man 
Able to take revenge, lead b;ick the march 
To Lebanon ! " — so shout, and who gainsays? 
But now, because delusion mixed itself 
Insensibly with this career, all's changed! 
Have I brought Venice to afford us convoy ? 
"True — but my jugglings wrought that!" 

Put I heart 
Into our people where no heart lurked? — " Ah, 

(14) 



Act One: 'The Second Scene 

What cannot an impostor do ! " 

Not this ! 
That now I shall do — hasten to the few 
Deceived, ere they deceive the many — shout, 
'' As I professed, I did believe myself! 
I walked the world, asked help at every hand ; 
Came help or no? Not this and this? Which 

helps 
When I returned wnth, found the Prefect here, 
The Druses here, all here but Hakeem's self. 
The Khalif of the thousand prophecies, 
Reserved for such a juncture, — could I call 
My mission aught but Hakeem's? Promised 

Hakeem 
More than performs this Djabal — you absolve? 
— Me, you will never shame before the crowd 
Yet happily ignorant? — me, — no Khalif, 
But Sheikh once more ! Mere Djabal — not " — 

Enter Khalil hastily^ from centre. 

Khalil. {Left centre.) — God Hakeem ! 
'T is told ! The whole Druse nation knows thee, 

Hakeem, 
As we ! and mothers lift on high their babes 
Who seem aware, so glisten their great eyes, 
Thou hast not failed us ; ancient brows are 

proud ; 
Our elders could not earlier die, it seems. 
Than at thy coming ! The Druse heart is thine ! 
Take it ! my lord and theirs, be thou adored ! 

Djabal. {Right centre.) ^Aside.'] Adored! 
— but I renounce it utterly ! 

Khalil. Already are they instituting choirs 
And dances to the Khalif, as of old 
'T is chronicled thou bad'st them. 

Djabal. {_Abstractedly.'\ I abjure it! 
'T is not mine — not for me ! 

Khalil. Why pour they wine 

Flavored like honey and bruised mountain- 
herbs, 
Or wear those strings of sun-dried cedar-fruit? 
Oh, let me tell thee — Esaad, we supposed 
Doting, is carried forth, eager to see 

(15) 



The Return of the Druses 

The last sun rise on the Isle : he can see now ! 
The shamed Druse women never wept before ! 
They can look up when we reach home, they 

say. 
Smell ! — sweet cane, saved in Lilith's breast 

thus long — 
Sweet ! — it grows wild in Lebanon. And I 
Alone do nothing for thee ! 'T is my office 
Just to announce what well thou know'st — but 

thus 
Thou bidst me. At this self-same moment tend 
The Prefect, Nuncio and the Admiral 
Hither by their three sea-paths ; nor forget 
Who were the trusty watchers! — thou forget? 
Like me, who do forget that Anael bade — 
DjABAL. \^AsideJ\ Ay, Anael, Anael — is 

that said at last? 
What does abjuring mean, confessing mean. 
To the people ? Till that woman crossed my path, 
On went I, solely for my people's sake : 
I saw her, and I then first saw myself, 
And slackened pace : ^' if I should prove indeed 
Hakeem — with Anael by ! " 

Khalil. [Aside.] Ah, he is rapt! 

Dare I at such a moment break on him 
Even to do my sister's bidding? Yes : 
The eyes are Djabal.'s and not Hakeem's yet, 
Though but till I have spoken this, perchance. 
DjABAL. [Aside.] To yearn to tell her, and 

yet have no one 
Great heart's word that will tell her ! 

[To Khalil.] You said 
That Anael — 

Khalil. Fain would see thee, speak with 

thee, 
Before thou change, discard this Djabal's shape 
She knows, for Hakeem's shape she is to know. 
Something to say that will not from her mind ! 
I know not what — " Let him but come ! " she 

said. 
DjABAL. My nation — all my Druses ! 
[To Khalil.] How f;n-e they ? 

Hold they their posts ? Wait they their Khalif 

too? 

(i6) 



Act One: The Second Scene 

Khalil. All at the signal pant to flock 
around 

That banner of a brow ! 

DjABAL. \^Aside.'\ And when they flock, 

Confess them this: and after, for reward, 

Be chased with bowlings to her feet ! 

I lose myself. 

Who needs a Hakeem to direct him now? 

1 need the veriest child — why not this child? 

[ Turniitg abrttptly to Khalil. 

You are a Druse too, Khalil ; you were nour- 
ished 

Like Anael with our mysteries : if she 

Could vow, so nourished, to love only one 

Who should avenge the Druses, why made you 

No eflbrt? What have I done, you could not? 

You who know more than Anael the prostra- 
tion 

Of our once lofty tribe, the daily life 

Of this detested — 

Does he come, you say, 

This Prefect? All's in readiness? 

Khalil. The sword, 

The sacred robe, the Khalif 's mystic tiar. 

Laid up so long, are all disposed beside 

The Prefect's chamber. 

Djabal. — Why did you despair? 

Khalil. I know our nation's state? Too 
surely know, 

As thou who speak'st to prove me ! Wrongs 
like ours 

Should wake revenge : but when I sought the 
wronged 

And spoke, — "The Prefect stabbed your son 
— arise ! 

Your daughter, while you starve, eats shameless 
bread 

In his pavilion — then arise ! " — my speech 

Fell idly : 't was, " Be silent, or worse fare ! 

Who mayst thou be that takest on thee to thrust 

Into this peril — art thou Hakeem ? " No ! 

Only a mission like thy mission renders 

All these obedient at a breath, subdues 

Their private passions, brings their wills to one. 

(17; 



The Return of the Druses 



DjABAi.. You think so? 

Khalil. Even now — when they have wit- 
nessed 
Thy miracles — had I not threatened all 
With Hakeem's vengeance, they would mar the 

work, 
And couch ere this, each with his special prize, 
Safe in his dwelling, leaving our main hope 
To perish. No! When these have kissed thy 

feet 
At Lebanon, the past purged off, the present 
Clear, — for the future, even Hakeem's mission 
May end, and I perchance, or any youth. 
Shall rule them thus renewed. — I tutor thee ! 
DjABAL. And wisely. (He is Anael's brother, 
pure 
As Anael's self.) Go say, I'll meet her, here. 

[Khalil goes centre. 
Oh, not to these, the multitude — confess, 
Before at least the fortune of my deed 
Half-authorize its means ! Only to her 
Would I confess. On the gulf's verge I pause. 
Anael, be mine to guard me, not destroy ! 



curtain. 




(i8) 



Act Two: The First Scene 



INTERLUDE. 

" Already are they instituting choirs 
And dances to the Khalif, as of old 
'T is chronicled thou bad'st them." 

The saine scene. Triumphant Processional and 
Dance of Druse Maidens, some bearing garlands, 
wreaths, flowers, others double pipes ^ psalteries, tab- 
rets, and shawms. They weave the pillars in green-, 
lay crimson flowers on the steps of the Alcove-, and 
dafice accompanied by strains of exultant, mystically 
religious nuisic, with occasiojial wild outbreaks, at 
ti?nes suggestive of righteous vengeance, and agaiji of 
a divine delirium ; to which they keep time., not alone 
with their bodies, but also with tabrets, shawms, plain- 
tive ripplings from the harps and psalteries y and low, 
simple singing. 

ACT II. 

The same scene ^ but garlanded and in yellow 
sunlight. 

The Druse Maidens, resting from their 
dancing., remain grouped at the rear of the 
scene on the steps at the central portal. 

Enter Anael, and Maani from centre^ ad- 
vancing. 
Anael. {-Left centre.) Those saffron ves- 
tures of the tabret-girls ! 
Comes Djabal, think you? 

Maani. {Right centre.) Doubtless Djabal 

comes. 
Anael. Dost thou snow-swathe thee king- 
lier, Lebanon, 
Than in my dreams. ^^ — Nay, all the tresses off 
My forehead ! Look I lovely so } He says 
That I am lovely. 

Maani. Lovely : nay, that hangs 

Awry. 

Anael. You tell me hov/ a khandjar hangs.'' 
The sharp side, thus, along the heart, see, marks 
The maiden of our class. Are you content 
For Djabal as for me.'' 

(19) 



The Return of the Druses 

Maani. Content, my child. \_Sits right. '\ 
Anael. [ Crosses to her.'] Oh mother, tell 
me more of him ! He comes 
Even now — tell more, fill up my soul with him ! 
\_Kneeh by her.] 
Maani. And did I not — yes, surely — tell 

you all ? 
Anael. What will be changed in Djabal 
when the change 
Arrives? Which feature ! Not his eyes ! 

Maani. 'T is writ 

Our Hakeem's eyes rolled fire and clove the dark 
superbly. 
Anael. \_By tut-ns to herself and then to 
her mother.] Not his eyes ! His voice 
perhaps? 
Yet that 's no change ; for a grave current lived 

— Beneath the surface ever grandly lived, 
That, scattering, broke as in live silver spray 
While — ah, the bliss — he would discourse to 

me 
In that enforced still fashion, word on word ! 
'Tis the old current which must swell thro' that. 
For what least tone, Maani, could I lose? 
'T is surely not his voice ! 

He lived with you? 
Well — and that morning Djabal saw me first 
And heard me vow never to wed but one 
Who saved my People — on that day — proceed ! 
Maani. Once more, then : from the time of 

his return 
In secret, changed so since he left the Isle 
That I, who screened our Emir's last of sons. 
This Djabal, from the Prefect's massacre 

— Who bade him ne'er forget the child he was, 

— Who dreamed so long the youth he might 

become — 
I knew not in the man that child ; the man 
Who spoke alone of hope to save our tribe, 
How he had gone from land to land to save 
Our tribe — allies were sure, nor foes to dread. 
And much he mused, days, nights, alone he 

mused : 
But never till that day when, pale and worn 
(20) 



Act Two: The First Scene 

As by a persevering woe, he cried 

"Is there not one Druse left me?" — and I 

showed 
The way to Khalil's and your hiding-place 
From the abhorred eye of the Prefect, — till 
He saw you, heard you speak — never did he 
Announce his mission was the promised mission. 
The cycle had revolved; ail things renewing, 
He was lost Hakeem clothed in flesh to lead 
His children home anon, now veiled to work 
Great purposes : the Druses now would change ! 
Anael. \_Rising.'\ And they have changed ! 
And obstacles did sink, 
And furtherances rose ! And round his form 
Played fire, and music beat her angel wings ! 

[ Crosses. 
My people, let me more rejoice, oh, more 
For you than for myself! Did I but watch 
Afar the pageant, feel our Khalif pass. 
One of the throng, how proud were I — tho' ne'er 
Singled by Djabal's glance! But to be chosen 
His own from all, — exalted with him, — 
Lead the exulting Druses, meet, — ah, how 
Worthily meet the maidens who await 
Ever beneath the cedars — bright are they 
Who saftron- vested sound the tabret there. 
The girls who throng there in my dream ! One 

hour 
And all is over : how shall I do aught 
That may deserve next hour's exalting? — How ? 

\_Sziddenly to Maani. 
Mother, I am not worthy him ! I read it 
Still in his eyes ! He stands as if to tell me 
I am not, yet forbears. Why else revert 
To one theme ever? — how mere human gifts 
Suffice him in myself — whose worship fades. 
Whose awe goes ever oft^ at his approach, 
As now, who when — he comes ! — 

[DjABAL eiiters from right. 
On his entrance the Maidens and Maani 
{who has stepped toward him) kneel. He 
tifts Maani and faces Anael.] Oh why 
is it 
I cannot kneel to you ? 

(21) 



The Return of the Druses 

DjABAL. {Centre.) Rather, 't is I 
Should kneel to you, my Anael ! 

Anael. {Left centre.) Even so ! 

For never seem you — shall I speak the truth ? — 
Never a God to me ! 'T is the Man's hand, 
Eye, voice ! Oh do you veil these to our people, 
Or but to me? To them, I think, to them ! 
And brightness is their veil, shadow — my truth ! 
You mean that I should never kneel to you 

— So, thus I kneel ! 

DjABAL. \^Preventmg her.'\ No — no! 

\_Feeling the kkandjar as he raises her. 

Ha, have you chosen — 

Anael. The khandjar with our ancient garb. 

But, Djabal, 
Change not, be not exalted yet ! Give time 
That I may plan more, perfect more ! My blood 
Beats, beats ! [Djabal withdraws right., 

Maani addresses him., they talk aside.~\ 

\_Aside.'] Oh must I then — since Loys 

leaves us 
Never to come again, renew in me 
These doubts so near effaced already — must 
I needs confess them now to Djabal ? — own 
That when I saw that stranger, heard his voice, 
My faith fell, and the woful thought flashed flrst 
That each effect of Djabal's presence, taken 
For proof of more than human attributes 
In him, by me whose heart at his approach 
Beat fast, whose brain while he was by swam 

round. 
Whose soul at his departure died away, 

— That every such effect might have been 

wrought 
In other frames, tho' not in mine, by Loys 
Or any merely mortal presence? Doubt 
Is fading fast ; shall I reveal it now? 
How shall I meet the rapture presently. 
With doubt unexpiated, undisclosed? \_One of 
the Druse Maidens comes fro?n rear of 
stage., with wreaths., addresses Anael, 
then Maani. The three talk aside. '\ 
Djabal. \^Aside.'\ Avow the truth ? lean- 
not ! In what words 

(22) 



Act Two: The First Scene 

Avow that all she loved in me was false? 

— Which yet has served that flower-like love of 

hers 
To climb by, like the clinging gourd, and clasp 
With its divinest wealth of leaf and bloom. 
'T is not for my sake but for Anael's sake 
I leave her soul this Hakeem where it leans. 
Oh could I vanish from her, quit the Isle ! 
S^Pause. Then with resolution and change 
of tone. '\ 
My work is done. The Druses must return — 
Have convoy to their birth-place back, whoe'er 
The leader be, myself or any Druse — 
Venice is pledged to that : 't is for myself, 
For my own vengeance in the Prefect's death, 
I stay now, not for them. My own reward ! 
Then, mine I will forego. It is foregone ! 
Let him escape with all my House's blood ! 
Ere he can reach land, Djabal disappears. 
And Hakeem, Anael loved, shall, fresh as first. 
Live in her memory, keeping her sublime 
Above the world. She cannot touch that world 
By ever knowing what I truly am. 
Since Loys, — of mankind the only one 
Able to link my present with my past. 
My life in Europe with my Island life. 
Thence, able to unmask me, — I 've disposed 
Safely at last at Rhodes, and — 



Enter Khajai^^ from centre. 

Khalil. {Centre.) Loys greets thee ! 

Djabal. Loys.? To drag me back.? It can- 
not be ! 
Anael. [Aside.'] Loys ! Ah, doubt may 

not be stifled so ! 
Khalil. Can I have erred that thou so 
gazest.? Yes, 
I told thee not in the glad press of tidings 
Of higher import, Loys is returned 
Before the Prefect, with, if possible. 
Twice the light-heartedness of old. As though 

(23) 



The Return of the Druses 

On some inauguration he expects, 
To-day, the world's fate hung ! 

DjABAL. — And asks for me? 

Khalil. Thou knowest all things. Thee in 
chief he greets, 
But every Druse of us is to be happy 
At his arrival, he declares : were Loys 
Thou, Master, he could have no wider soul 
To take us in with. [Djabal turns aside mood- 
ily^ sits right.'] How I love that Loys ! 

[Khalil falls back., turjiing to Maani 
jirst.^ later to Anael.] 

Anael. S^Aside.] Loys? I take the trial! 

Ay ! Advance 
Close to my fear, weigh Loys with my Lord, 
The mortal with the more than mortal gifts ! 

Djabal. \_Aside.] Before, there were so 
few deceived ! and now 
There's doubtless not one least Druse in the Isle 
But, having learned iriy superhuman claims, 
And calling me his Khalif-God, will clash 
The whole truth out from Loys at first word ! 
While Loys, for his part, will hold me up, 
With a Frank's unimaginable scorn 
Of such imposture, to my people's eyes! \i'ises] 
Could I but keep him longer yet awhile 
From them, amuse him here until I plan 
How he and I at once may leave the Isle ! 
Khalil [Khalil starts forward at his na?7ie'] 

I cannot part with from my side — 
My only help in this emergency : 
There 's Anael ! 

Anael. \_Adva7zcing'.'] Please you ? 

Djabal. Anael — none but she ! 

[_To Anael.] I pass some moments in the 

chamber there, [^pointing right.'] 
Ere I see Loys : you shall speak with him 
Until I join you. Khalil follows me. 
[ To Khalil] Khalil, along with me ! while 

Anael waits 
Till I return once more — and but once more. 
[Djabal and Khalil ^c» o?^/, right.] 

(24) 



Act Two: The First Scene 

Anael. As I divined : he bids me save 
myself, 
Offers me a probation — I accept. 
Let me see Loys, then ! 

Yes, let myself 
Probe this delusion to the core ! 

Loys. [from centre outside.'] Djabal ! 
[Loys is seen at central entrance^ Anaei. 
turns.] 



CURTAIN. 




(25) 



The Return of the Druses 



ACT III. 

Same scene. Anael and Loys at corner of 
steps back., right centre., discovered at rise of 
curtain., both agitated as in the midst of a 
moving conversation. Loys is standing to her 
left., back., leaning over her. 

Anael. {Right centre., rising frojn her 
seat., steps right. ^ Here leave me ! Here 
I wait another. 'T was 
For no mad protestation of a love 
Like this you say possesses you, I came. 

Loys. Love? how protest a love I dare not 
feel ? 
Mad words may doubtless have escaped me : 

you 
Are here — I only feel you here ! 

Anael. \_Crosses.'\ No more ! \_Both come 

forward.^ 
Loys. But once again, whom could you love ? 
I dare, 
Alas, say nothing of myself, who am 
A Knight now, for when Knighthood we em- 
brace, 
Love we abjure: so, speak on safely : speak, 
Lest I speak, and betray my faith ! And yet 
To say your breathing passes through me, 

changes 
My blood to spirit, and my spirit to you, 
As Heaven the sacrificer's wine to it — 
This is not to protest my love ! You said 
You could love one — 

Anael. S^Left centre.'] One only ! We 
are bent 
To earth — who raises up my tribe, I love ; 
The Prefect bows us — who removes him ; [Loys 

starts'] we 
Have ancient rights — who gives them back to 

us, 
I love. \_Rushes toward her.] Forbear me ! 
\_Seizes her hand.] Let my hand go ! 
yShe passes toward left.] 
Loys. Him 

(26) 



Act Three: The First Scene 



You could love only ? Where is Djabal ? [An- 
AEL makes toward right ex/t.^ Stay ! 
IS/ie stops involuntarily. Their eyes 
meet. Pause. Anaei. again turns away., 
right. '\ , . 

She sees into my heart's core ! What is it 
Feeds either cheek with red, as June some rose? 
Why turns she from me? Ah fool, over-fond 
To dream I could call up — 

— What never dream 
Yet feigned ! 'T is love ! [ Going to her.'] Oh 
Anael, speak to me ! 

Oiabal 

Anael. \_Avoiding him.] Seek Djabal by 
the Prefect's chamber 
At noon ! {^Passes left to alcove steps.] 

LoYS. [ Turning aside.] And am I not the 
Prefect now ? 
Is it my fate to be the only one 
Able to win her love, the only one 
Unable to accept it? 

For her sake 
I left the Isle, for her espoused the cause 
Of the Druses, all for her I thought, till now, 
To live without ! 

— As I must live ! To-day 
Ordains me Knight, forbids me— {turns, cross- 
ing to Anael's feet, kneels, offering her 
his szvord] never shall 
Forbid me to profess myself, heart, arm, 
Thy soldier ! 

Anael. Djabal you demanded, comes. 
LoYS. [Pises right. Aside.] See him? What 
else ! He brought me here, made known 
The Druses to me, drove me hence to seek 
Redress for them. But shall I meet him now. 
When naught is wanting but a word of his, 
Xo — what? — induce me to spurn hope, faith, 

pride. 
Honor away, — to cast my lot among 
His tribe, become a proverb in men's mouths. 
To break my vows of high companionship 
With those who graciously bestowed on me 
The very opportunities I turn 
(27) 



The Return of the Druses 

Against them ! Let me not see Djabal now ! 
Anael. The Prefect also comes. 
LoYS. [^Aside^l Him let me see, 

And after, Djabal ! 

Anael, ere my vows 
Irrevocably fix me — \jhe turns toward him'\ 

Let me fly ! 
The Prefect, or I lose myself forever ! 

[ Goes centre r\ 
Anael. Yes, I am calm now ; just one way 
remains — 
One, to attest my faith in him : for, see, 
I were quite lost else : Loys, Djabal, stand 
On either side — two men ! I balance looks 
And words, give Djabal a man's preference, 
No more. In Djabal, Hakeem is absorbed ! 
And for a love like this, the God who saves 
My race, selects me for his bride? \^Goes to 
main portal^ pauses outside^ standing by 
the balustrade^ waiting. '\ One way ! 

Enter T)^ABAi^fro??i right. 

Djabal. \_To himself^ coming forward 
centre.'] No time to waste then ; if Khalil 
lead back 
My Druses, — Loys be lured out of the Isle — 
All 's over. Even now my bark awaits : 
I reach the next wild islet and the next, 
And lose myself beneath the sun forever. 
And now, to Anael ! 

Anael. [ Comi?tg down right centre.] 

Djabal, I am thine ! 
Djabal. \_Meeting her.] Mine? Djabal's? 

— As if Hakeem had not been ? , 
Anael. — Do you 

read my thought? — Why speak, if you 
can — 
Djabal. I do not, I have said a thousand 

times. 
Anael. (My secret's safe, I shall surprise 
him yet !) \_Sits right at steps ijtviting 
hi?n toward her^ he kneels at her left.] 
Djabal, I knew your secret from the first: 

(28) 



Act Three: The First Scene 



Djabal, when first I saw you — (by our porch 
You leant, and pressed the tinkling veil away, 
And one fringe fell behind your neck —I see !) 
I knew you were not human, for I said 
" This dim secluded house where the sea beats 
Is heaven to me — my people's huts are hell 
To them ; this august form will follow me, 
Mix with the waves his voice will, — I have 

him ; 
And they, the Prefect! Oh, my happiness 
Rounds to the full whether I choose or no ! 
His eyes met mine, he was about to speak, 
His hand grew damp — surely he meant to say 
He let me love him : in that moment's bliss 
I shall forget my people pine for home — 
They pass and they repass with pallid eyes! " 
I vowed at once a certain vow ; this vow — 
Not to embrace you till my tribe was saved. 
Embrace me ! 

Djabal. [ Checking the impulse to take her. 
Aside.'] She loved me ! Nay, Anael, is 
The Prefect dead ? 

Anael. Ah ! True, his death crowns all, 
I know — or should know : and 1 would do 

much. 
Believe ! but, death ! Oh, you, who have known 

death , 
Would never doom the Prefect, were death fear- 
ful 
As we report ! 

Death ! — witness, I would die, 
Whate'er death be, would venture now to die 
For Khalil, for Maani — what for thee? 
Nay. but embrace me, Djabal, in assurance 
My vow will not be broken, for I must 
Do something to attest my faith in you. 
Be worthy you ! 

Djabal. [^Restraiizing his passio7i,\ I 
come for that — to say 
Such an occasion is at hand : 'tis like 
I leave you — that we part, my Anael, — part 
Forever ! 

Anael. We part.? Just so! I have suc- 
cumbed, — 

(29) 



The Return of the Druses 



I am, he thinks, unworthy — and naught less 
Will serve than such approval of my faith. 
Then, we part not ! Remains there no way 

short 
Of that? Oh not that ! Death ! 

DjABAL. Anael — I come 

To bid a last farewell to you : perhaps 
We never meet again. But, ere the Prefect 
Arrive — 

Enter KnAi^ii^from centre breathlessly. 

Khalil. He 's here ! The Prefect ! Twenty 

guards, 
No more : no sign he dreams of danger. All 
Awaits thee only. Ayoob, Karshook, keep 
Their posts — wait but the deed's accomplish- 
ment 
To join us with thy Druses to a man. 
Still holds his course the Nuncio — near and 

near 
The fleet from Candia steering. 
And I have laid the sacred robe. 
The sword, the head-tiar, at the porch — the 

place 
Commanded. Thou wilt hear the Prefect's 

trumpet. 
Djabal. Then I keep Anael, — him then, 

past recall, 
I slay — 't is forced on me. As I began 
I must conclude — so be it ! 

Khalil. S^Right ce7ttre.'] For the rest. 
Save Loys, our foe's solitary sword. 
All is so safe that ... I will ne'er entreat 
Thy post again of thee : tho' danger none. 
There must be glory only meet for thee 
In slaying the Prefect. \^K7ieels to hijn.'] 

Anael. [Aside.'] And 't is now^ that Djabal 
Would leave me ! — in the glory meet for him ! 
Djabal. [Centre.] As glory, I would yield 

the deed to you 
Or any Druse ; what peril there may be, 
I keep. 

Khalil. [ Cross i7Z£- to An a-ei^.] Anael, and 

no part for us ! 

(30) 



A ct Three: TkeFiiisT Scene 

r To Dtabal.] Hast thou possessed her with — 
^ DTABAI-. [To Anael at alcove step, wM 

fixed ^aze, trembling.-] What .s .t you 
Beh^^d I4e?' Shudde/you? The man must 

As thousands of our race have died thro' him. 
One blow, and I discharge his weary soul 
From flesh polluting it! 

Anael. . My brother sa.d, 

Is there no part in it for us? t v.^,- 

YiiK^Ai. [Forward centre, vigorously.-] Fo, 

Them.mJet'wiU announce the Nuncio's entry. 
Here, I shall find the Prefect hastenmg 
In the Pavilion to receive him — heie 
I slay the Prefect ; meanwhile Ayoob leads 
The Nuncio with his guards with, n: once these 
Secured in the outer hall, bid Ayoob bai 
Entrv or egress till I give the sign 
Which waits the landing of the argosies ^ 
You wiU announce to me : this double sign 
ThatTustice is performed and help arrived, 
When Ayoob shall receive, but not befo.e 
Let Wm throw ope the palace doors, admit 
The Druses to behold their tyrant, ere 
We leave forever this detested spot. 
Go, Khalil, hurry all ! No pause no Pa"se ^ 
Whirl on the dream, secure to wake anon . 
^'"" ° V All toward right exit. 

Khalil. [Suddenly checking Mnu^V-nf 
than.] What sign ? and -^^ *e^bea.^^.^ 

MK'«d'^it to Ayoob. How she stands! 
Have I not - I must have some task for nei, 
An::i: it that way ! 'T is the Prefect's cham- 

AnaSkeep you the ring -give you the sign ! 
(It holds her safe amid the stir.) \ ou will 

"'anael!' [Taking the ring.] I would f=un 
be worthy. Hark! [Trumfetv^ithout. 
Khalil. He comes. 
n.ABAL And I too come. 

YJ* One word, but one ! 

Anael. 

(30 



The Return of the Druses 

.Say, shall you be exalted at the deed ? 
Then? On the instant? 

DjABAL. I exalted? What? 

He, there — we, thus — our wrongs revenged, 

our tribe 
Set free? Oh, then shall I, assure yourself, 
Shall you, shall each of us, be in his death 
Exalted ! 

Khai.il. He is here ! 

DjABAL. Away — away ! [ They 

go out right. ~\ 

SCENE 11. 
The Same. 

Enter from centre the Prefect, right centre 
with Guards, and Loys, left centre. 

The Prefect. \_At main portal to Guards 

outside dismissing the?n.'\ Back, I say, to 

the galley every guard ! 
That 's my sole care now ; see each bench retains 
Its complement of rowers ; I embark 
O' the instant, since this Knight will have it so. 

\_Comi?ig on with Loys.] 
Alas me ! Could you have the heart, my Loys ! 
Loys, a rueful sight, confess, to see 
The gray discarded Prefect leave his post, 
With tears i' the eye ! So, you are Prefect now ? 
You depose me — you succeed me? Ha, ha ! 
Loys. And dare you laugh, whom laughter 

less becomes 
Than yesterday's forced meekness we beheld . . . 
Prefect. — When you so eloquently 

pleaded, Loys, 
For my dismissal from the post? Ah, meek 
W^ith cause enough, consult the JSJuncio else ! 
And wish him the like meekness : for so stanch 
A servant of the Church can scarce have bought 
His share in the Isle, and paid for it, hard 

pieces ! 
You 've my successor to condole with. Nuncio ! 
I shall be safe by then i' the galley, Loys ! 

(32) 



Act Three: The Second Scene 

LoYS. You make as you would tell me you 

I'ejoice 
To leave your scene of — 

Prefect. Trade in the dear Druses? 

Blood and sweat traffic ! Spare what yesterday 
We heard enough of! Drove I in the Isle 
A profitable game? Learn wit, my son, 
Which you '11 need shortly ! Did it never breed 
Suspicion in you, all was not pure profit, 
When I, the insatiate — and so forth — was 

bent 
On having a partaker in my rule? 
Why did 1 yield this Nuncio half the gain, 
If not that I might also shift — what on him? 
Half of the peril, Loys ! 

LoYS. Peril ? 

Prefect. Hark you ! 

I 'd love you if you 'd let me — this for reason, 
You save my life at price of — well, say risk 
At least, of yours. I came a long time since 
To the Isle ; our Hospitallers bade me tame 
These savage wizards, and reward myself — 
Loys. The Knights who so repudiate your 

crime ? 
Prefect. Loys, the Kniglits ! we doubtless 

understood 
Each other; as for trusting to reward 
From any friend beside myself . . . no, no ! 
I clutched mine on the spot, when it was sweet, 
And I had taste for it. I felt these wizards 
Alive — was sure they were not on me, only 
When I was on them : but with age comes cau- 
tion : 
And stinging pleasures please less and sting 

more. 
Year by year, fear by fear ! The girls were 

brighter 
Than ever ('faith, there's yet one Anael left, 
I set my heart upon — Oh, prithee, let 
That brave new sword lie still !) — These joys 

looked brighter. 
But silenter the town, too, as I passed. 
With this alcove's delicious memories 
Began to mingle visions of gaunt fathers, 



The Return of the Druses 

Quick-eyed sons, fugitives from the mine, the 

oar, 
Stealing to catch me. Brief, when — when, I 

say, 
Just when, for the remainder of my life. 
All methods of escape seemed lost — that then 
Up should a young hot-headed Loys spring, 
Talk very loud and long, — in fine, compel 
The Knights to break their whole arrangement, 

have me 
Home for pure shame — from this safehold of 

mine 
Where but ten thousand Druses seek my life. 
To my wild place of banishment, San Gines 
By Murcia, where my three fat manors lying, 
Purchased by gains here and the Nuncio's gold. 
Are all I have to guard me, — that such fortune 
Should fall to me, I hardly could expect. 
Therefore I say, I 'd love you. 

Loys. Can it be? 

I lay into your hands then.? Oh no, no ! 
The Venerable Chapter, the Great Order 
Sunk o' the sudden into fiends of the pity.'^ 
But I will back — will yet unveil you. [ Crosses.'\ 

Prefect. Me ? 

To whom.? — perhaps Sir Galeas, who in Chap- 
ter 
Shook his white head thrice — and some dozen 

times 
My hand next morning shook, for value paid ! 
To that Italian saint. Sir Cosimo ? — 
Indignant at my ringing year by year 
A thousand bezants from the coral-divers. 
As you recounted : felt the saint aggrieved .? 
Well might he — I allowed for his half-share 
Merely one hundred. To Sir — 

Loys. See ! you dare 

Inculpate the whole Order ; yet should I, 
A youth, a sole voice, have the power to change 
Their evil way, had they been firm in it } 
Answer me ! 

Prefect. Oh, the son of Bretagne's Duke, 
And that son's wealth, the father's influence, too. 
And the young arm, we '11 even say, my Loys, 

(34) 



Act Three : Th e Second Scene 



— The fear of losing or diverting these 

Into another channel, by gainsaying 

A novice too abruptly, could not influence 

The Order ! You might join, for aught they 

cared, 
Their red-cross rivals of the Temple! Well, 
I thank you for my part, at all events. 
Stay here till they withdraw you ! You'll in- 
habit 
My palace — sleep, perchance, in the alcove 
Whither I go to meet our holy friend. 
Good ! and now disbelieve me if you can, — 
This is the first time for long years I enter 
Thus \lifts the arras'] without feeling just as if 

I lifted 
The lid up of my tomb. 

LoYS. They share his crime ! 

God's punishment will overtake you yet. 

Prefect. [Tu/'nin^-dac^ to L.oys.] Thank 
you it does not ! Pardon this last flash : 
I bear a sober visage presently 
With the disinterested Nuncio here — 
His purchase-money safe at Murcia, too ! 
Let me repeat — for the first time, no draught 
Coming as from a sepulchre salutes me. 
When we next meet, this folly may have passed. 
We'll hope. Ha, ha! \_Goes through the 
arras.] 
LoYS. Assure me but — He 's gone ! 

He could not lie. Then what have I escaped, 
I, who had so nigh given up happiness 
Forever, to be linked with him and them ! 
Oh, opportunest of discoveries ! I 
Their Knight? I utterly renounce them all ! 
Hark! What, he meets by this the Nuncio? 

Yes, 
The same hyaena groan -like laughter ! Qiiick — 
To Djabal ! I am one of them at last. 
These simple-hearted Druses — Anael's tribe! 
Djabal ! She 's mine at last. Djabal, I say ! 

CURTAIN. 



(35) 



The Return o f tJi e Druses 



ACT IV. 

Same scene. The Khalif's sacred mantle., 
szvord, and tiar., le/i., by the alcove. 

Enter T>^K^K\.from the right. 

DjABAL. Let me but slay the Prefect. The 
end now ! 
To-morrow will be time enough to pry 
Into the means, the ignoble means I took 
To hurl my true revenge. \_Seetng the robe., 
tiar., and sword disposed., goes toward 
alcove. '\ 

Then must I dare 
Assume my nation's Robe ! [ Taking the robe. 

I dare ! Why not 
The Tiar? I rule the Druses, and what more 
Betokens it than rule? — yet — yet — 

S^Lays down the tiar. 
\_Footsteps in the alcove.'] He comes ! 

[ Taking the sword. 
If the Sword serve, let the Tiar lie ! So, feet 
Clogged with the blood of twenty years can fall 
Thus lightly ! Round me, all ye ghosts ! He 'II 

lift 
Which arm to push the arras wide ? — or both ? 
Stab from the neck down to the heart — there 

stay ! 
Near he comes — nearer — the next footstep! 
Now ! \^As he dashes aside the arras, 
Anael is discovered.] 
Ha ! Anael ! Nay, my Anael, can it be? 
I slay him here ! 'T is not a sight for you. 
Till you go, I must be idle — idle, 
I risk all ! — Anael ! the Prefect comes ! 

[Anael screams.] 
And with the dagger 't is, I have to do ! 

Anael. With mine! \_Holding out to hi?n 

her bloody khandjar.] 
DjABAL. Blood — Anael ? 

Anael. \^Coming down the steps and for- 
ward step by step.] Djabal, 't is thy deed ! 
It must be ! I had hoped to claim it mine — 

(36) 



Act Four: The First Scene 

Be worthy thee — but 1 must needs confess 

'T was not I, but thyself — not I bave — Djabal ! 

S^Lets her khandjar fall."] 
Speak to me ! 

Djabal. [ Overwhelmed^ retreating^ as she 

advances r\ Oh, my punishment ! 
Anael. Speak to me 

While I can speak ! touch me, despite the blood ! 
When the command passed from thy soul to 

mine, 
I went, fire leading me, muttering of thee, 
And the approaching exaltation, — " make 
One sacrifice ! " I said, — and he sat there, 
Bade me approach ; and, as I did approach. 
Thy fire with music burst into my brain. 
'T was but a moment's work, thou saidst — 

perchance 
It may have been so ! Well, it is thy deed. 
Djabal. It is my deed. 

Anael. His blood all this ! — this ! 

and — 
And more ! Sustain me, Djabal ! Wait not — 

now 
Let flash thy glory ! Djabal, blood gushed 

forth — 
He was our tyrant — but I looked he 'd fall 
Prone as asleep — why else is death called sleep ? 
Sleep? He bent o'er his breast! 'T is sin, I 

know, — 
Punish me, Djabal, but wilt thou let him? 
Be it thou that punishest, not he — who creeps 
On his red breast — is here ! 'T is the small 

groan 
Of a child — no worse ! Bestow the new life. 

Then ! 
Too swift it cannot be, too strange, surpassing ! 

{^Following him as he retreats. 
Now ! Change us both ! Change me and change 
thou ! 
Djabal. ^Sinks on his knees.'\ Thus ! 

Behold my change ! You have done nobly. 
I! — 
Anael. Can Hakeem kneel ? 
Djabal. No Hakeem, and scarce Djabal ! 

(37) 



The Return of the Druses 

I have dealt falsely, and this woe is come. 

\^RLses.'\ 
Hear me ere scorn blast me ! The deed is mine ! 
i\.NAEL. \_To hei'self crossing left.~\ Did I 

strike once, or twice, or many times? 
DjABAL. Anael, I saw my tribe: 1 said, 
" Without 
A miracle this cannot be " — I said 
" Be there a miracle ! " — for I saw you. 
Anael. His head lies south the portal. 
DjABAL. — Weighed with this 

The general good, how could I choose my own? 
What matter was my purity of soul? 
Little by little I engaged myself — 

Anael. Is it this blood breeds dreams in me ? 
Who said 
You were not Hakeem ? And vour miracles — 
The fire that plays inocuous round your form ? 

\_Again changing her whole mafiner. 
Ah, thou wouldst try me — Thou art Hakeem 
still ! 
DjABAL. Woe — woe ! As if the Druses 
understood 
The subtle lore of Europe ! A few secrets — 
Anael. [^Ajter a pause springs to his 7ieckJ\ 
Djabal, in this there can be no deceit! 
Why, Djabal, were you human only, — think, 
Maani is but human, Khalil human, 
Loys is human even — did their words 
Haunt me, their looks pursue ? Could I, with the 
Prefect and the blood, there — see only you? 
— Hang by your neck over this gulf of blood ? 
Speak, I am saved! Speak, Djabal! Am I 
saved? \^As Djabal slowly unclasps her 
ar?ns, and puts her silently from him she 
falls upon her knees in anguish. '\ 
Hakeem would save me. Thou ait Djabal. 
{^Suddenly springs to her feet. '\ Crouch ! 
Bow to the dust, thou basest of our kind ! 
The pile of thee, I reared up to the cloud — 
Full, midway, of our fathers' trophied tombs. 
Based on the living rock, devoured not by 
The unstable desert's jaws of sand, — falls prone 
Fire, music, quenched : and now thou liest there 

(38) 



Act Four: The First Scene 



A ruin, obscene creatures will moan through. 
— Let us come, Djabal ! 

DjABAL. Whither come? 

Anael. At once — 

Come to them, hand in hand, with me! 

Djabal. Where come? 

Anael. Where ? — to the Druses thou hast 
wronged ! Confess, 
Now that the end is gained — (I love thee 

now — ) 
That thou hast so deceived them — (perchance 

love thee 
Better than ever.) Come, receive their doom 
Of infamy ! O, best of all I love thee ! {Taking 

up khandjar.'\ 
Shame with the man, no triumph with the God, 
Be mine ! Come ! 

Djabal. Never ! More shame yet ? and 
why? 
You called this deed mine — it is mine ! 

The past 
Is past : my false life shall henceforth show true. 
Hear me ! The argosies touch land by this *, 
They bear us to fresh scenes and happier skies. 
What if we reign together ? — if we keep 
Our secret for the Druses' good ? — by means 
Of even tlieir superstition, plant in them 
New life? I learn from Europe: all who seek 
Man's good must awe man, by such means as 

these. 
We two will be divine to them — we are ! 
I wrest the w^eapon from your hand ! [ Wrests 

the khandjar fro7n her.'] I claim 
The deed ! Retire ! You have my ring — you bar 
All access to the Nuncio till the forces 
From Venice land. 

Anael. Thou wilt feign Hakeem then? 

Djabal. [Putting the tzar of Hakeem on 
his head.] And from this moment that I 
dare ope wide 
Eyes that till now refused to see, begins 
My true dominion : for I know myself, 
x\nd what am I to personate. No w^ord ? {Lays 
down tiar. Anael ^^^5 out centre. 

(39) 



The Return of the Druses 

'T is come on me at last ! \^Drooping against a 

pillar^ collapsed.'] His blood on her — 
What memories will follow that! \_Rousing.~\ 

Ah, fool ! 
Wouldst work in this foul earth bv means not 

foul? 
Scheme, as for heaven, — but, on the earth, be 

glad 
If a least ray like heaven's be left thee ! \_Erect- 

ing hhnself.^ grasping the khandjar.] 

Tiius 
I shall be calm — in readiness — no way 
Surprised. [^ noise without. 

This should be Khalil and my Druses. 
Venice is come then ! S^Ci'osses to alcove.] 
Druses ! In ! Behold ! 

Enter Loys {^frojn centre^. Djabal hides 
the khandjar in his robe. 

Loys. {Right centre.) Oh, well found, 
Djabal ! — but no time for words. 
You know who waits there ? \_Poi7iting to the 
alcove.] 

Well ! — and that 't is there 
He meets the Nuncio? Well? Now, a sur- 
prise — 
He there — 

Djabal. {Left centre.) I know — 
Loys. — is now no mortal's lord. 

Is absolutely powerless — call him, dead — 
He is no longer Prefect — you are Prefect! 
Oh, shrink not ! I do nothing in the dark, 
I have, boldly, face to face, confronted 
The Prefect in full Chapter, charged on him 
The enormities of his long rule ; I spoke 
Of you, and of your tribe, and all you urged 
Of old to me : I spoke, too, of 3'Our goodness. 
Your patience — brief, I now hold the Isle, — 
Am nominally lord, — but you, you are 
Associated in my rule — you are 
The true Prefect ! Hear greater wonders yet — 
Oh, Djabal, I shall never be a Knight ! 
Here first I throw all prejudice aside, 

(40) 



Act Four: The First Scene 



And call you brother ! I am Druse like you : 
My wealth, my friends, my power, are wholly 

yours, 
Your people's, which is now my people : for 
There is a maiden of your tribe, I love — 
She loves me — KhaHl's sister — 

DjABAL. Anael? 

Enter one of the Nuncio's Guards from the 
alcove. 

1ST Guard. Oh, horrible ! Sir Loys ! Here 
is Loys ! 
And here — 

[2D Guard enters from the alcove. 

Pointing to Djabal.] Secure him, bind him 

— this is he ! [ They go to right and left 

o/" Djabal and seize him.'] 

Loys. Madmen — what! Stand from my 

friend ! 
1ST Guard. The Prefect 

Lies murdered there by him thou dost embrace. 
Loys. By Djabal.? Miserable fools ! How 
Djabal.? [ist Guard lifts Djabal's robe; 
Djabal flings down the khaitdjar. 
Loys. \_After a pause.'\ Thou hast received 
some insult worse than all. 
Some outrage not to be endured — 

{^To the Guards.] Stand back ! 
He is my friend — more than my friend. \To 

Djabal.] —Thou hast 
Slain him upon that provocation. 

1ST Guard. No! 

No provocation ! 'T is a long devised 
Conspiracy : the whole tribe is involved. 
He is their Khalif — 't is on that pretence — 
All is just now revealed, I know not how. 
By one of his confederates — 

Djabal. \^Aside.'\ Who broke 

Faith with me .? 

Loys. [21? Djabal.] Hear' st thou .? Deny 
this story ! 
Till thou speak, I keep off these, or with thee 
Die. Thou a Khalif, an impostor ? Speak! 

(40 



The Return of the Druses 

DjABAi.. Loys, I am as thou hast heard. 

All 's true. 
No more concealment ! As these tell thee, all 
Was long since planned. Our Druses are 

enough 
To crush this handful : the Venetians land 
Even now in our behalf. \_The Guards go out 

ce72tre.'] Loys, we part. 
It might not be. I thank thee. Fare thee well ! 
Loys. The Druses? Do they share thy 
crime? Khalil, 
My friend, I saw but now ! he spoke — no word 
Of this ! Anael ! — No word of this ! 

DjABAL. Poor boy ! 

— Khalil is my right-hand, my delegate ! — 
Anael — my bride ! 

Loys. Anael, thy bride? 

DjABAL. My bride ! 

Loys. And she retains her glorious eyes ! 

Thy bride ! 

She, with those eyes, has shared this miscreant's 

guilt! [ Sits righ i. ] 
Ah — w4io but she directed me to find 
Djabal within the Prefect's chamber? Khalil 
Bade me seek Djabal there, too. All is truth. 
Djabal. Loys, I wronged thee — but un- 
wittingly : 
I never thought there was in thee a virtue 
That could attach itself to what thou deemest 
A race below thine own. I wronged thee, Loys, 
But that is over: all is over now, 
Save the protection I ensure against 
My people's anger. By their Khalif's side, 
Thou art secure and mayst depart : so, come ! 
Loys. Thy side? 1 take protection at tliy 
hand ? 

Re-enter ist Guard, centre. 
1ST Guard. Fly with him ! Fly, Sir Loys ! 
'T is too true : 
And only by his side thou mayst escape. 
The whole tribe is in full revolt : they flock 
About the palace — will be here — 

Even we 

(42) 



I 



Act Four: The First Scene 

Had stayed to meet our death in ignorance, 
But that one Druse, a single faithful Druse, 
Made known the horror. 

Keep by him ! 
He is their God, they shout, and at his beck 
Are life and death ! [Guard ^c^j out centre.'] 
LoYS. \_Spr hiding- at the khandjar Djabal 
had t/i7'own down, seizes him by the 
throat.~\ Thus by his side am I ! 
Thus I resume my knighthood and its warfare. 
How? Hakeem? God art thou ! but also here 
Is the least, youngest, meanest the Church calls 
Her servant, and his single arm avails ! 

The Cross 
And Faith, 'gainst Hell, Mahound and thee. 
Die ! [Djabal remains cal?n.~\ Implore my 

mercy. Hakeem, that my scorn 
May help me ! Nay, I cannot ply thy trade ; 
I am no Druse, no stabber : and thine eye, 
Thy form, are too much as they were. — my 

friend 
Had such. Speak ! Beg for mercy at my foot ! 

[Djabal still silent. 
Heaven could not ask so much of me — not, 

sure, 
So much. I cannot kill him so. \_After a pause. 

Heardst thou ? 
One of thine accomplices, thy people, 
Has accused thee? Meet that Druse! Be thou 

tried 

By him, nor seek appeal ! Face me ! Consent ! 

Djabal. Give me again my khandjar, if 

thou darest ! \^A pause. Loys gives it. 

Let but one Druse accuse me, and I plunge 

This home. Let us go ! \_Shouts without. 

Hearest thou ? I hear 
No plainer than long years ago I heard 
That shout — but in no dream now. They 
return ! 



CURTAIN. 



(43) 



The Return of the Druses 

ACT V. 
The Same, 

Enter, from centre^ passing down left^ 
Nasif, Elkeb, heading many Uninitiated 
Druses in vari-colored robes who Jill the Hall 
tumultuously talking together, some of them 
pointing to the Alcove and gesturing. 

Nasif. \_Jocularly .~\ Here flock we, obey- 
ing the summons ! 

Elkeb. Lo, Hakeem hath appeared, and the 
Prefect is dead, and we return to Lebanon ! 

Nasif. My manufacture of goats' fleece must, 
I doubt, soon fall away there. 

Elkeb. Come, old Nasif — link thine arm 
in mine — we fight, if needs be. 

Nasif. Come, what is a great fight-word ? 
— '* Lebanon?" 

Karshook. \_From behind the crowd out- 
side, fiercely. ~\ My daughter — my daugh- 
ter ! 

Elkeb. But is Khalil to have the oflSce of 
Hamza? 

Nasif. \_Shrewdly.'\ Nay, rather, if he be 
wise, the monopoly of henna and cloves. 

Elkeb. Where is Hakeem ? 

Nasif. \_Chuckh7zg.'\ The only prophet I 
ever saw, prophesied at Cairo once, in my youth : 
a little black Copht, dressed all in black too, 
with a great stripe of yellow cloth flapping down 
behind him like the back-fin of a water-serpent. 

Enter the Nuncio, with Guards from centre 

passing down right. 
Is this he? Biamrallah ! 

Elkeb. Biamreh ! Hakeem ! 

All. \^In a tumult, hailing and worship- 

ping.'] Hakeem ! Hakeem ! Hakeem ! 
Nuncio. \_To a Guard outside at portal.~\ 
Hold both, the sorcerer and his accuser ! 
S^Right centre, co7?iingfoward, dismayed at the 
crowd, for the whisper has passed from 

(44) 



Act Five: The First Scene 

Karshook at rear to the fronts swiftly^ 
and all are suddenly silent ^ stdlen^ and 
unfriendly.'] Lo, this black disem- 
boguing of the Isle ! 

\_To the Druses.] Ah children, what a sight 
for these old eyes ! 

I came to gather all you wandering sheep [at a 
word passed along- from Karshook the 
Druses at the rear spread out^ manning 
the exits^ and cutting off the Nuncio from 
escape] 

Into my fold, as though a father came — \^the 
falters^ noticifig the ominous 7}iovement in 
the crowds and eyes the guarded doors] 

As though, in coming, a father should — 

[Zb his Guards] One — 

Two — three — guards of you ! No outlet ? Keep 
close ! 

\^To the Druses.] h^ if one came to a son's 
house, I say. 

So did I come — no guard with me — to find — 
[ The Druses fold their arms., scowl., thrust 
out nether lips.] 

Alas — Alas ! 

Elkeb. Who is the old man? Eh! 
Nasif. [ Chuckling.] Oh, ye are to shout ! 

Children, he styles you. 

Elkeb. {^Shaking his fist at the Nuncio.] 
Ay, the Prefect's slain ! 

Glory to the Khalif, our Father! 

Nuncio. - Even so 

I find (ye prompt aright) your father slain. 

While most he plotted for your good. [Druses 
nudge one another at this and laugh.] 
\_Aside.] (And hell's 

Wonn gnaw the glozing knave for duping me ! 

Are these the Christians? These the docile 
crew 

My bezants went to make me Bishop o'er?) 

[7b his Guards who whisper.] What say ye 
does this wizard style himself? 

Hakeem ? Biamrallah ? 

Nasif. He mutters ! Hear ye ? 

He is blaspheming Hakeem. 

(45) 



The Return of the Druses 

Elkeb. The old man 

Is our dead Prefect's friend. Tear him ! [Nasif 
with Elkeb cross stage drawijig their 
khandjars at him^ others half follow^ 
whole crowd swaying upon the Nuncio, 
who braves thefn in desperation.'] 
Nuncio. Ye dare not. \_They 

waver and fall back,] 
I stand here with my five-and-seventy years, 
The Patriarch's power behind me, God's above. 
Those years have witnessed men rebel ere now 
Who found excuse ; but ye, to be enslaved 
By sorceries, cheats — alas ! the same tricks, 

tried. 
Exploded, laughed to scorn, all nations through : 
" Rotnaioi.^ loudaioite kai proselutoi^ [the 
T)Yu%e% taking this for a spell., shrink back^ 
shivering zvith fright., they cower., put 
out their hands as if to ward off the 
curse] 
Cretes and Arabians" — you are duped the last. 
\_Seeing his advafitage., boldly. 
Said I, refrain from tearing me? I pray ye 
Tear me ! Shall I return to tell the Patriarch 
That so much love was w^asted — every gift 
Rejected, from his benison I brought, 
Down to the galley-full of bezants [at " bezants," 
the Druses look at one another ., impressed]., 

sunk 
An hour since at the harbor's mouth, by that — 
That — sorcerer ! 

[To his Guards.] What? Eh? Oh, [they 
whisper] Djabal was 't? 
Elkeb. But how a sorcerer? 
Nasif. False wherein ? 

Nuncio. How false? Ye know not, Djabal 
has confessed — [Sensation among the 
Druses.] 
Nay, that by tokens found on him we learn — 
How by his spells the demons were allured 
To seize you : By lies he would have led you 
Into a monstrous ruin: follow ye? 
Say, shall ye perish for his sake, my sons? — 
Elkeb. [71? the others.] Hark ye ! 

(46) 



Act Five: The First Scene 

Nuncio. — Be of one privilege 

amerced? 
No ! Infinite the Patriarch's mercies are ! 
No ! With the Patriarch's Hcense, still I bid 
Tear him to pieces who misled you ! Haste ! 

Elkeb. \To the others.'] The old man's 
beard shakes, and his eyes are white fire ! After 
all, I know nothing of Djabal beyond what Kar- 
shook says; he knows but what Khalil says, 
who knows just what Djabal says himself. [ The 
others nod.] 

Nasif. {^Drawling.] Now, the little Copht 
Prophet, I saw^ at Cairo in my youth, began by 
promising each bystander three full measures of 
wheat — 

Enter Khalil from centre^ leading Kar- 
SHOOK, Raghib, Ayoob, Abdullah, the 
three Watchers and other Initiate Druses. 
Khalil. i^Left centre.) Venice and her 
deliverance are at hand : 

Their fleet stands through the harbor. Hath he 
slain 

The Prefect yet? Is Djabal's change come yet? 
Nuncio. [7b Guards.] What 's this of 
Venice? Who 's this boy? 

[Guards zvhisper.] One Khalil? 

Djabal's accomplice! \_To the Druses.] 

Ye'd have my troops as- 
sist? \^Pointing atY^^K\A\^.] 

Doth he abet him in his sorceries? \^The Ini- 
tiates gaze about them in alarm., bewil- 
dered. ] 

Down with the cheat, guards, as my children 
bid! 

\ They spring at Khalil; as he beats them 
back.] 

Stay ! No more bloodshed ! Spare deluded 
youth ! 

[71? Khalil.] Whom seek'st thou? [71? 
Druses.] I will teach him — [ To Khalil.] 
whom, my child ? 

Art thou the only fond one of thy tribe ? 

'T is I interpret for thy tribe. 

(47) 



The Return of the Druses 

Khalil. Oh, this 

Is the expected Nuncio ! Druses, hear — 
Endure ye this? Unworthy to partake 
The glory Hakeem gains you ! While I speak. 
The ships touch land: who makes for Lebanon? 
They plant the winged lion in these halls ! 

Nuncio. [Aside.^ Venice! Oh, never true ! 
Khalil. Ere He appear 

And lead you gloriously, repent, 1 say ! 

Nuncio. [^To the Druses.] He? Bring 
him forth! You'd judge him, say you! 
Where 's 
Our short black-bearded sallow friend who 

swore 
He 'd earn the Patriarch's guerdon by one stab? 
Bring Djabal forth at once ! 

Nasif. Ay, bring him forth ! 

The Patriarch drives a trade in oil and silk, 
And we 're the Patriarch's children — true men, 
we ! 
Elkeb. Where is the glory ? 
All. \^Led by Elkeb.] Show us all the glory ! 
Khalil. [ To Druses.] You dare not so in- 
sult him ! What, not see — 
I tell thee, Nuncio, these are uninstructed, 
Untrusted : they know nothing of our Khalif ! 
\To Druses] — Not see that if he lets a doubt 

arise 
'T is but to show ye would have trusted him 
Without the all-convincing glory — ay. 
And did ! Embrace the occasion, friends ! For, 

think — 
What wonder when his change takes place? 

But now 
For your sakes, he should not reveal himself. 
No : could I ask and have, I would not ask 
The change yet ! 



Ente7' Djabal and I^oys from the right. 

\_To Djabal.] Spite of all, reveal thyself! 
I had said, pardon these besotted men — 
Yet now — this Nuncio couples shame with 
thee, 

(48) 



Act Five: The First Scene 



Imposture ! — bitter things he said — Hakeem ! 
Reveal thyself! See! 

LoYS. \_Right centre, to Djabal.J Keep 

thy word to me ! 
DjABAL. \_Centre,to the^v^c\o.'\ Who of 

my people hath accused me? 
Nuncio. ^*^ • 

So this is Djabal, Hakeem, and what not? 
I, Nuncio of the Patriarch, having charge 
Of the Isle here, I claim thee {turning to 

Djabal] as these bid me, 
Forfeit for murder done thy lawful prince, 
Thou conjurer that workest miracles? 
Let him but move me with his spells! I, 
Nuncio — 
Djabal. Which how thou camest to be, 1 
sav not now. 
Though I have also been at Stamboul, Luke ! 

{The Nuncio winces. 
Ply thee with spells, forsooth ! What need of 

spells? 
If Venice by her Admiral refuse 
Convoy to Lebanon — refuse this Isle 
\Ye leave — time then to try what spells can do ! 
Dost thou dispute the Republic's power? 

Nuncio. [ To the Druses.] Lo ye ! 
He tempts me too, the wily exorcist! 
No! The renowned Republic was and is 
The Patriarch's friend: 'tis not for courtmg 

Venice 
That I — that these implore thy blood of me. 
Lo ye, ye Druses ! Where 's the miracle 
He works? I bid him to the proof— fish up 
Your galley-full of bezants that he sank ! 
That were a miracle ! One miracle ! 
Enough of trifling, for it chafes my years. 
I am the Nuncio, Druses ! I stand forth 
To save you from the good Republic's rage 
When she shall find her fleet was summoned here 
To aid the mummeries of a knave like this. 
Why, we hold one who proves this Djabal cheat. 
Each miracle a cheat. Who throws me now 
His head ? I make three offers, once I ofl'er, — 
. And twice — 

(49) 



The Return o f the Druses 

DjABAL. Let who moves perish at my foot! 
Khalil. Thanks, Hakeem, thanks ! 
Nasif. He can ! He can ! Live fire — 
Elkeb. \^To the Nuncio.] I say he can, 
old man? Thou know'st him not. 
Live fire like that thou seest now in his eyes. 
Plays fawning round him. See! The change 

begins. 
All the brow lightens as he lifts his arm. 
Look not at me ! It was not I ! 

DjABAL. What Druse 

Accused me, as he saith ? I bid each bone 
Crumble within that Druse! S^The Druses 
co'wer.'\ 
Nuncio. S^Asider^ Venice to come ! Death! 
DjABAL. \_Continuing.^ Seest thou my 
Druses, Luke? I would submit 
To thy pure malice did one Druse confess! 
Nuncio. [_To his Attendants.] Bring in 
the witness, then, who, first of all. 
Disclosed the treason ! [Guards ^6* outr^ Now 

I have thee, wizard! \To Druses] 
Ye hear that? If one speaks, he bids you tear 

him 
Joint after joint : well then, one does speak ! 

One, 
Befooled by Djabal, even as yourselves. 
Who expiates confessing thus, the fault 
Of having trusted him. [Guards 7'e-enter with 
a veiled Druse.] 
LoYS. Now, Djabal, now ! 

Nuncio. Friend, Djabal fronts thee ! Make 

a ring, sons. Speak ! 
LoYS. Thou hast the dagger ready, Djabal? 
Djabal. [ With a look at Loys, to the veiled 
Druse.] Speak, 

Recreant ! [Khalil ptishes forward zeal- 
ously. ~\ 
Elkeb. Stand back, fool ! farther ! Suddenly 
You shall see some huge serpent glide from 

under 
The empty vest, or dov/n will thunder crash ! 
Nasif. Back, Khalil ! 
Khalil. I go back ? Thus go I back ! 

(50) 



Act Five: The First Scene 



{To veiled Druse.] Unveil! Nay, thou shalt 
face the Khalif! Thus! 

\_He tears away the veil and discloses 

Anael; Djabal folds his arms and 

bows his head; the Druses fall back; 

LoYS springs Jrom the side of Djabal 

and the Nuncio.] 

LoYS. Then she was true — she only of them 

all ! 

True to her eyes — may keep those glorious 

eyes, 
And now be mine, once again mine! Oh, 

Anael ! 
Dared I think thee a partner in his crime — 
That blood could soil that hand? {^Starts to 
seize it. She rebuffs this.'] Nay, 'tis 
mine — Anael. [Seizes it. She with- 
draws it.~\ 

Not mine ? — who otier .thee before all these 

My heart, my sword, my name ~ so thou wilt 

say 
That Djabal, who affirms thou art his bride. 
Lies — say but that he lies ! 

Djabal. Thou, Anael? 

LoYS. Nay, Djabal, nay, one chance for me 
— the last ! 
Thou hast had every other ; thou hast spoken 
Days, nights, what falsehood listed thee— let 

me 
Speak first now ; I will speak now ! 

Nuncio. Loys, pause! 

Thou art the Duke's son, Bretagne's choicest 

stock, 
Loys of Dreux, God's sepulchre's first sword: 
This wilt thou spit on, this degrade, this trample 
To earth ? 

Loys. {Turns from the Nuncio to Anael.] 
Who had foreseen that one day Loys 
Would stake these gifts against some other good 
In the whole world ? I give them thee ! I would 
My strong will might bestow real shape on them, 
That I might see, with my own eyes, thy foot 
Tread on their very neck \ 'T is not by gifts 
I put aside this Djabal : we will stand — 
(51) 



The Return of the Druses 

We do stand, see, two men ! Djabal, stand 

forth ! 
Who 's worth her, I or thou ? I who purely 
Kept my way without or lies or blood, — or 

thou! 
Love me, Anael ! Leave the blood and him ! 
\_To Djabal.] Now, quick on this, speak if 
thou art a man ! 
Djabal. [To Anael.] I have deserved 
this of thee, and submit. 
Nor 't is much evil thou inflictest: life 
Ends here. The cedars shall not wave for us : 
For there was crime, and must be punishment. 
By thee I perish : yet — can I repent.^ 
As a Frank schemer or an Arab mystic, 
I had been something; — now, each has de- 
stroyed 
The other — and behold, from out their crash, 
A third and better nature rises up — 
My mere man's-nature ! And I yield to it : 
I love thee, I w^ho did not love before ! 
Anael. Djabal I 

Djabal. It seemed love, but it was not 
love : 
How could I love while thou adoredst me.-^ 
Now thou despisest, art above me so 
Immeasurably! Thou, no other, doomest 
My death now ; this my steel shall execute 
Thy judgment ; I shall feel thy hand in it. 
Oh luxury to worship, to submit, 
Transcended, doomed to death by thee ! 

Anael. My Djabal ! 

Djabal. Dost hesitate .? I force thee ! Speak 
the doom ! 
Hear, Druses, and hear, Nuncio, and hear, Loys ! 
Anael. Hakeem ! \_She falls dead. 

The Druses scream grovelling before him. 
Elkeb. \^On his knees., only uplifting his 
head to plead.'] Ah Hakeem ! — not on 
me thy wrath ! 
Nasif. Biamrallah, pardon ! never doubted 
I! 
Ha, dog, how sayest thou .'^ [^Crossing stage., 
swoops on the Nuncio, Y.i.k.^b following 

(52) 



Act Five: Th e First Scene 



with others^ they seize the old man. Loys 
Jiings himself upon his knees beside 
An A^iJ s prostrate body., at the head., rights 
on which Djabal continues to gaze as stu- 
pejied.~\ 
Nuncio. [Struggling with those who have 
seized him.'\ Catifts ! Have ye eyes? 
Whips, racks should teach you ! What, his fools? 

his dupes? 
Leave me ! Unhand me 1 

Khalil. \^Over Anael at Djabai.'s yV^/, 
left^ behind the body., to Djabal timidly. '\ 
Save her for my sake ! 
She was already thine ; she would have shared 
To-day thine exaltation : think, this day 
Her hair was plaited thus because of thee ! 
Yes, feel the soft hair — feel ! 

Restore her life ! 
So little does it ! there — the eyelids tremble ! 
'T was not my breath that made them : and the 

lips 
Move of themselves. I could restore her life ! 
Hakeem, we have forgotten — have presumed 
On our free converse : we are better taught. 
See, I kiss — how I kiss thy garment's hem 
For her ! She kisses it — Oh, take her deed 
In mine! Thou dost believe now, Anael? — 

See! 
She smiles ! Were her lips open o'er the teeth 
Thus, when I spoke first ? She believes in thee ! 
Go not without her to the cedars, lord ! 
Or leave us both — I cannot go alone ! 
I have obeyed thee, if I dare so speak : 
Hath Hakeem thus forgot all Djabal knew ? 
Thou feelest then my tears fall hot and fast 
Upon thy hand, and yet thou speakest not? 
Ere the Venetian trumpet sound — ere thou 
Exalt thyself, O Hakeem ! save thou her ! 

Nuncio. \^To Elkeb and Nasif, observing 
Djabal's /ac^.]— What ails your Ha- 
keem ? Ah, that ghastly face ! 
{^Desperately to the Druses, again seeking to 
rally them.^ Look to your Khalif, Druses ! 
Is that face 

(53) 



The Return of the Druses 

God Hakeem's? Where is triumph — where is 

— what 
Said he of exaltation — hath he promised 
So much to-day? [To Djabal.] Why then, 

exalt thyself ! 
Cast oft' that husk, thy form, set free thy soul 
In splendor ! [7(9 the Druses.] Now, bear wit- 
ness ! here I stand — 
I challenge him exalt himself, and I 
Become, for that, a Druse like all of you ! 

All the Druses. \^The Initiate Druses be- 
seeching 7'everently^ the Uninitiated clam- 
oring.'] Exalt thyself! Exalt thyself, O 
Hakeem ! 
Djabal. I can confess now all from first to 
last. 
There is no longer shame for me. I am — 
\_The Venetiait trumpet sounds: the Druses 
shout ''The Lion!" "Lebanon!" 
Djabal's eye catches the expression of 
those about him^ aiid., as the old dream 
co?7ies back^ he is again confident and 
inspired. ] 

— Am I not Hakeem ? And ye would have 

crawled 
But yesterday within these impure courts 
Where now ye stand erect ! Not grand enough? 

— What more could be conceded to such beasts 
As all of you, so sunk and base as you, 

Than a mere man? A man among such beasts 
Was miracle enough : yet him you doubt. 
Him you forsake, him fain would you destroy — 
With the Venetians at your gate, the Nuncio 
Thus — (see the baffled hypocrite !) and, best, 
The Prefect there ! 

All the Druses. [ Worshipping.] No ! 
Thine! Hakeem! Thine! Thine! 

Nuncio. He lies — and twice he lies — and 
thrice he lies ! 
Exalt thyself, Mahound ! Exalt thyself! 

Djabal. Druses ! We shall henceforth be 
far away — 
Out of mere mortal ken — above the cedars — 
But we shall see ye go, hear ye return, 

(54) 



I 



Act Five: The First Scene 

Repeopling the old solitudes, — through thee, 

My Khalil ! Thou art full of me; I fill 

Thee full — my hands thus fill thee I Go thou ! 

Lead 
My people home ! 
\_Turning to the Druses.] Ye Druses, Now ! 

Ye take 
This Khalil for my delegate? To him 
Bow as to me ? He leads to Lebanon — 
Ye follow ? 

All the Druses. Ay ! We follow ! Ay ! 

Lord ! Ay ! 
DjABAL. \^Raises Loys.] Then to thee, 
Loys ! How I wronged thee, Loys ! 
Yet, wronged, no less thou shalt have full 

revenge. 
Fit for thy noble self — and thus : 
Guard Khalil and my Druses home again ! 
Justice, no less, God's justice and no more ! 
And, this obtained them, leave their Lebanon, 
— One cedar-blossom in thy ducal cap. 
One thought of Anael in thy heart, — perchance, 
One thought of him who thns, to bid thee speed, 
His last word to the living speaks I This done, 
Resume thy course, and, first amidst the first 
In Europe, take my heart along with thee ! 
\^He bends over Anael.] 
Ah, did I dream I was to have, this day. 
Exalted thee? A vain dream : hast thou not 
Won greater exaltation? What remains 
But press to thee, exalt myself to thee? 
Thus I exalt myself, set free my soul ! 

\^He stabs hunself. As he falls ^ right centre^ 
supported by Khalil and Loys, the 
Venetians enter ^ left centre. The Druses 
part to right and left; the Admiral 
advancing among them betzveen their 
uplifted arms amid their shouts of " Hail 
Venice ! " " Lebanon ! " " Lebanon ! " 
Admiral. [ With gesture order i72g his Guard 
to plant the Venetian standard at alcove.^ 
left., in front of the Rhodian Cross.'\ God 
and St. Mark for Venice ! PMant the Lion ! 

LofC. ^ 
(55) 



The Return of the Druses 

\_At the clash of the planted standard^ the 
Druses 5/2(92//, drawing their knives^ flour- 
ishing them above their heads^ and mov- 
ing tumultiiously on toward ceiitral exit 
as if poi^ring out of the portal from all 
sides. LoYS draws his sword. 

DjABAL. [ Centre., on the steps .^ as if leading 
thein., between Khalil left and Loys 
right. ~\ On to the Mountain ! At the 
Mountain, Druses ! \^Dies. 



CURTAIN. 



End. 




(56) 



MAY 4 1903 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 386 865 5 # 



\Jdrifhr in fhe Dranwr . !h. 

rulers of our :irf, i'-: r."/^';.'C frft 
lastic glories minoh-, s:l :'i strcng\ 
And do their kingly ^vork, — ionceh)c, 
And from (he imagination's crucial heat 
Catch up their men and <women all a- flame 
For action, all aWve and forced to proa)e 
Their life by li'ving out heart, brain, and nerve 
Until mankind makes ^vitness, ' These he men 
As m)e are. ' 






